Discussion Activities

Online discussion will be an important part of this class:

The weeks during which discussion is to take place are:

You are welcome to post during other times, on any topics (or with any questions) relevant to the course, and to the subjects being covered at that time. Your discussions during the weeks when discussion is assigned should not be entirely confined to the question posted for discussion in the course materials.

Your instructor and instructional assistants will be monitoring the discussion forums throughout the course.

During the weeks when discussion is "assigned," you will be expected to:

The discussion will (hopefully!) be open and loosely moderated:

Here are some guidelines for participating in an online discussion (adapted from: http://www.scides.com/staff/gswan/online_guide/discuss_guide.html):

  1. Do more than state agreement or disagreement. Justify and support your opinion. The most persuasive opinions are supported by evidence, examples, reasons, and facts. If you disagree with something, say why. If you really like something that you've read, let people know what makes you think that way;
  2. Do the appropriate preparation, such as reading and lesson activity work, before you join the discussion;
  3. Keep your comments fairly brief. A paragraph or two is plenty unless you are posting something that by nature has to be longer--a short anecdote, for example;
  4. Help move the discussion along. When contributing to a discussion, read other people's comments first. Introduce new ideas, but also build on what others have said ("Piggy-back" on other people's ideas);
  5. Keep up with the discussion throughout the weeks when discussion is "assigned." After you have made your contribution on a topic, check back a few times to find out how the discussion is evolving. Does someone's comment make you think twice about your view?
  6. Share your experience with your fellow students. You may be able to offer advice to someone who is newer to the course;
  7. Respect others' ideas and opinions. Feel free to disagree, but express your disagreement in a respectful manner. Disrespectful communication is poor communication. In this environment, it will be regarded as inexcusable;
  8. Be positive when offering advice. If one of your fellow students posts something to be edited or asks for your opinion on a piece of writing, be encouraging with your comments. If you see weaknesses in someone's writing or ideas, focus on describing the strengths to keep up and the opportunities for improvement. Put yourself in the shoes of the other people in the conference discussions;
  9. Be gracious when receiving advice. When you post your work, you are hoping that other people will tell you what you have done well and suggest useful ideas about how to do even better. When others are critical, assume that they are trying to provide a critique, not criticism in the negative sense. Even if they don't seem diplomatic, be gracious in response.

Grading rubric:

Category (FZ; <12/20) (B- to B; 12-14 /20) (B+ to A-; 15-17 / 15) A to A+; 18-20/20
Delivery of Post Utilizes poor spelling and grammar in most posts; posts appear "hasty" Errors in spelling and grammar evidenced in several posts Few grammatical or spelling errors are noted in posts Consistently uses grammatically correct posts with rare misspellings
Relevance of Post Posts topics which do not relate to the discussion content; makes short or irrelevant remarks Occasionally posts off topic; most posts are short in length and offer no further insight into the topic Frequently posts topics that are related to discussion content; prompts further discussion of topic Consistently posts topics related to discussion topic; cites additional references related to topic
Expression within the post Does not express opinions or ideas clearly; no connection to topic Unclear connection to topic evidenced in minimal expression of opinions or ideas Opinions and ideas are stately clearly with occasional lack of connection to topic Expresses opinions and ideas in a clear and concise manner with obvious connection to topic
Contribution to the Learning Community

 Does not make effort to participate in learning community as it develops; seems indifferent Occasionally makes meaningful reflection on group's efforts; marginal effort to become involved with group Frequently attempts to direct the discussion and to present relevant viewpoints for consideration by group; interacts freely Aware of needs of community; frequently attempts to motivate the group discussion; presents creative approaches to topic