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Discussions are an excellent way to build community and make content relevant for students, but unfortunately, they often become check-the-box activities with students logging in once, making long, essay-type posts, and then commenting on the required number of their peers’ posts the same day. This does not allow for the nuance of a true discussion with back-and-forth dialog.
To address this issue, several instructors have changed the discussion focus from the number of posts to the level of engagement. In the example below, the instructor is asking for shorter posts and more frequent interaction. The result has been more active engagement and a depth of conversation not seen in traditional discussion assignments.
Discussion Assignment
A key component of your graduate coursework is participating in online discussions with classmates. Often, online discussions become an opportunity to check a box or write a multi-page report. I would like to move our discussion beyond this to one that becomes a true conversation where we explore ideas together. In addition to being thoughtful about the discussion prompts, I would like to see you asking and answering questions, making suggestions, and sharing examples from your own life. I would like to see this begin to look like a true conversation, so while most of your posts should be a paragraph or two in length (not a page or two), some may be shorter and more casual and conversational. Remember to contribute to the learning community by being creative in your approaches to topics, being relevant in the presented viewpoints, and attempting to motivate the discussion. And remember, there is value in diverse perspectives, so it is OK to have a constructive and considerate disagreement.
Timeline
In order to mimic a real conversation, you will be expected to be online and participate in online discussions for at least four days during the discussion period. While the times of day and specific days of the week in which you do this work are flexible, you must participate actively and regularly in online discussions to be successful and fulfill your responsibilities as a member of the class learning community. I would suggest setting aside dedicated time several times a week for participation.
Lessons begin on Wednesday and the discussion will be open for ten days (even though the rest of the lesson is only scheduled for one week). Your initial post is due on Sunday. You are then required to participate in the conversation on at least three different days by or before the following Thursday.
Style
Discussion forum posts are to be conversational but remember that standard etiquette and writing rules apply -- you are expected to conduct yourself professionally, check your spelling, and write coherent sentences. When quoting from or paraphrasing articles we read in this class, it is fine to cite the author(s) parenthetically, and in-line in the text. When using outside sources, please include a bibliographical citation at the end of your post.
Rubric
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| The initial post is submitted on time. | 10 |
| Follow-up posts are made on at least two different days and reflective follow-up responses are provided that extend the discussion. | 20 |
| Posts are well developed and add depth to the discussion (e.g., by adding new and/or relevant ideas including links to outside content that bolsters the argument, well-reasoned critique of content being discussed, the inclusion of personal experiences and anecdotes, etc.). Posts integrate evidence from the reading, lecture, or experience in support of their argument; consistently offer insightful comments and questions that prompt additional on-topic discussion; consistently help clarify or synthesize other class members' ideas, and, if disagreeing with other class members' ideas, do so clearly and politely. | 20 |
| Total | 50 |
Considerations
This type of discussion rubric can be utilized in any LMS.