The quest for authenticity : a study of an online discussion forum and the needs of adult learners

The notion of ‘authenticity’ in an educational context has been applied in a variety of ways but the implication is generally that this kind of learning is more meaningful and incisive, that somehow the learning outcomes have more real-life significance, in comparison to more traditional learning experiences. The literature about ‘authentic discussion’ has focussed almost exclusively on the context of classroom English teaching. The focus of this study is to establish the ways in which the characteristics of an ‘authentic discussion’ might apply to adults, rather than school-age children, and an online environment, rather than a classroom context. The paper begins with an exploration of the concept of ‘authenticity’ and its connections to the principles of adult learning. According to the interpretation of Hadjioannou (2007), the concept of ‘authentic discussion’ is an exchange where multiple viewpoints are openly expressed in a way that leads to new understandings and co-constructed forms of knowledge. A study of a discussion forum on the topic of ’family’ is used to illustrate to the possibilities for authentic discussion in the online environment. The participants in this forum were students enrolled in an enabling program, that is, one designed to prepare adult learners for higher education. The study revealed a number of features that correlate with those of an ‘authentic discussion’, including an acceptance of multiple perspectives, a climate of respect and support, and a preparedness to take risks. These findings are then discussed in terms of their likely implications for educators of adult learners and opportunities for future research in online learning.