Discussion Forum Format

Discussions make up a big part of this class. Therefore, slow down and invest some time here and learn about how to excel in the discussion forums. You will be asked in our discussion forums to craft two types of posts: Initial Posts and Response Posts. Initial Posts answer all of the forum assignment questions and are posted before the stated deadline. Response Posts are your response to the posts of other students. The completed assignment is usually due Sunday, by 11:59 PM. PST. 

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What Makes a Good Initial Post (IP)?

A good Initial Post is one where the student answers all of the assigned questions in the forum by drawing on the material for that assignment. In the Initial Post, each student presents their answers clearly using grammatically correct, college-level English, and sharing examples, and cited quotations, and “added value.” 

Added Value maybe:

1.) introducing relevant material from outside sources,

2.) suggesting materials that lead the discussion down a new but relevant path, and

3.) offer links to websites that broaden and clarify the material we are studying.

What Makes a Good Response Post (RP)?

The most common mistake that students make with their Response Posts is leaving them to the end of the week and putting little effort into their posts. Many avoid the hard work of critical thought by becoming chatty and personal. For this reason, many Response posts wander from the assignment. They often start like this:

“I thought your post was wonderful and agree with all that you write. I was thinking the same thing.”

They will say something like it or that is often how they end. This kind of post does not contain a key ingredient – critical (questioning) thought.

In your Response Posts, do not wander.  Our forums are primarily places of intellectual labor. To that end, please put this rule on a post-it note and stick it your computer screen:

A good Response Post must do more than praise or underline points of agreement with the views of another. 

What should you aim for? The good Response Post is an extension of your Initial Post but is aided by the thoughts of other students and by deeper understanding. 1.) It deepens the exploration of the themes and material by offering further examples of key points.  2.) It brings in relevant new material that clarifies and broadens the discussion and then cites where that new material came from. 3.) It politely contradicts the views of another by providing a different claim for consideration backed by evidence and reasons. 4.) Finally, a good response post is clear and direct and uses grammatically correct English.

What Can You Do to Enhance the Discussion Forums?

  • Number your answers. (Help your fellow classmates!)
  • Make it your goal to show your mastery of the material by using the forums wisely and skillfully. Seek to learn from others as they seek to learn from you.

  • If someone reads a post that goes on and on, it would be like being in a conversation with someone who starts to dominate. Students should be thoughtful, succinct, and relevant.

  • When students are contributing to a discussion forum, they should always reread their comments to check for tone. 

  • In the written word there can be a tone that maybe does not exist face-to-face.

  • You should think in terms of a business email and not a text message or Facebook post. Unless a student has established a close relationship with someone, it's best to keep communication professional.