Discussion 101
The basics of what is required for proficient participation in a discussion in Ms. A's classes can be found in the Discussion Scoring Guide. The purpose of this page is really to understand what ADVANCED discussion participation is. You want a 4 on discussions? Check out the details below!
Discussion in an online class is really not so different from a face-to-face class. It is defined by its interactivity, though-provoking comments, and digging deeper into a topic. In the education world, we call this academic discourse!
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Check out the video to the left to clarify what Academic Discourse is!

Making a Post

  1. Be thorough and explain your perspective with examples.
  2. Concise!! Not more than 1-2 paragraphs TOPS! 
  3. Include or refer directly to outside sources or other authors.
  4. Consider other perspectives of the topic.

Responding to a Peer

  1. Compliment the author on something specific that you enjoyed or that they did well.
  2. Continue the discussion by connecting or reacting to the post.
  3. Give thoughtful and kind feedback using "I" statements or questions.
  4. Build on other comments to continue the discussion. 

Etiquette! 

  1. Don't leave people hanging! Check back occasionally to see if someone responded to you. 
  2. Edit your work! Avoid confusion about what you are trying to share by checking your work for errors. 
  3. Be nice! Even when you are adamantly opposed to someone's perspective, try to help them see another perspective. We don't listen well when people are mean to us.