Uses

Discussions are used for a variety of purposes in an online course. The format invites student-to-student interaction as they increase their understanding of concepts, demonstrate their communication skills, provide peer critique and support, and much more. Below are examples of guidelines that may be shared with students to encourage interaction among students. Use or modify these examples for your own needs.

For specific instructions to post to discussions, refer to Discussion Board Posts and Replies (example instructions).

Guidelines Examples

Initial Post Guidelines Example

When creating and posting your initial response, make sure you do the following:

• Write your response in a separate document first to avoid losing your work during unanticipated technical difficulties.

• Proofread your work before submitting it.

• At the top of your post, include a short subject, title, or phrase that represents your take on the discussion.

• Review the rubric for specifics on expectations for the discussion. To view the rubric for this discussion, open the discussion menu at the top right of the window (looks like 3 vertical dots), then click Show Rubric.

Reply Post Guidelines Example

When replying to your classmates, make sure you do the following:

• Wait to begin this learning activity until after the due date has passed for submitting the initial posts.

• If you have not yet posted your initial post, you should do that before you reply to others.

• Prioritize those who have not yet received responses.

• Replies should be more than one sentence and promote a conversation between you and your classmates.

• Write your response in a separate document first in order to avoid losing your work during unanticipated technical difficulties.

• While composing your responses, keep in mind that civility is not an option, but a basic expectation.

• Proofread your work multiple times before submitting it.

• Review the rubric for specifics on expectations for the discussion. To view the rubric for this discussion, open the discussion menu at the top right of the window (looks like 3 vertical dots), then click Show Rubric.

Discussion Guidelines Example 1

Consider the following guidelines as you participate in the discussion board activity:

• Fully address the instructions in the discussion prompt for both initial and reply posts.

• Make effective use of evidence, reason, and logical thought to produce a convincing argument.

• Late posts make it difficult for others to write their replies, so please aim to meet the deadline.

• When writing your reply posts, try to first respond to classmates that do not have any replies for their posts. This way everyone will receive at least 2 replies to their initial post. If all of your classmates have 2 replies, you may then reply to any of your classmates.

Be personable:

• If you are responding to a particular person in the discussion, include a salutation specifying to whom you are writing.

• Add your name at the bottom of each post.

• Respond to others questions and acknowledge helpful comments.

Discussion Guidelines Example 2

• Post your responses in a timely manner (by the due date). Late posts make it difficult for others to write their replies, so please aim to meet the deadline for all discussion activities. Students who post after the deadline should not expect a reply.

• Invest enough time and mental effort to ensure that you can write a high-quality response.

  • Fully address the instructions in the discussion prompt for both initial and reply posts.

  • Make effective use of evidence and principles to produce a convincing argument.

  • This is an academic environment; please do not use informal half answers or abbreviated text.

  • Create a draft of your response to each question in a separate document that will serve as your backup and a source of notes for studying. Then, copy and paste your response from your document into the discussion. 

• After the due date for the initial posting has passed, you will return to the discussion to read the posts of other students and reply following the guidelines described in the reply post activity. This design ensures everyone has an opportunity to participate in the conversation.

• Observe all etiquette expectations for polite and constructive online discussions, as outlined in the course syllabus. If you are responding to a particular person in the discussion, include a salutation specifying to whom you are writing. Add your name at the bottom of each post, as you prefer to be addressed.

• Follow the conventions of professional writing for the subject matter area covered in this course. Use correct syntax, grammar, and punctuation, as well as an appropriate tone and level of formality. 

• Help your classmates learn from the discussions by doing one or more of the following tasks.

  • Build on ideas suggested by your classmates, or respectfully explain the merits of different ideas.

  • Notice when people are not participating and respectfully invite them to engage in the discussion.

  • Convey a positive attitude about the course and the assigned work.