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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2007.09.005 Byline: J. van der Pol (a), W.F. Admiraal (a)(b), P.R.J. Simons (a) Keywords: Collaborative learning; Anchored discussion; Peer-feedback; Dialogue analysis; Coherence; Relevance Abstract: This study investigates the use of an evaluation function to increase the local relevance of replies in online anchored discussion. Being implemented in a university course on French linguistics, a regular system for anchored discussion is compared with two versions that are enhanced with an integrated evaluation function. The function asks students to evaluate the relevance of each others' replies. To compare between experimental and control conditions, the collaboration protocols are analysed with a newly developed coding scheme for the local relevance of replies. Statistical processing of the data is done with a multilevel approach and results indicate that an evaluation function can effectively increase the local relevance of students' replies, but only if it is actually used to a certain extent. Using the evaluation function is hypothesized to increase students' awareness of the importance of writing relevant replies. Author Affiliation: (a) IVLOS Institute of Education, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80127, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands (b) ILO Graduate School of Teaching and Learning, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 19268, 1000 GG Amsterdam, The Netherlands