Discussion Post Instructions

Discussionpostinstructionsfa19pdfdiscussion Post Instructions Partic

Participation in online discussions, located in the Discussions tool on the eCourseware course site, is expected. Each assigned discussion contains a prompt, which students should address in their initial posts, due on the Thursday of each week. Follow-up postings to at least two other students’ postings are required and due by Sunday at 11:59pm. The content of each posting as well as quality of writing will be assessed.

The following explains the discussion postings further:

• Initial postings should be posted as a new thread generated by the student.
• Responses should be posted as a response to another student’s initial post.
• There are 5 opportunities to engage in the discussion postings throughout the course. Each student is required to post initial postings in response to the question/prompt posted by the instructor (15 points each) and respond to two fellow classmates (5 points each).
• Post all initial thoughts and responses to the class discussion board in eCourseware (see course schedule for specific due dates).
• Each initial post must be at minimum 400 words.
• The initial posting responding to the questions posted by the instructor is due on Thursdays at 11:59 PM (CST).
• The response to another student’s comment is due on Sundays by 11:59pm.
• Each response must be at minimum 200 words.
• Each posting will be graded on its content, thoughtfulness, and writing quality.

Students can either agree or disagree with the instructor and their fellow students, but either way their views must be backed up by relevant course material. It is important to incorporate the course materials in the posts to demonstrate good command of the course content. Simply describing one’s own thoughts and experiences without connecting them to theories/research will result in a poor score.

A good post looks like a short essay. A good response post should reflect the student’s understanding of the course material and critical thinking. The post should contribute to the discussion substantively. Avoid simple comments such as “I really like your post. It makes a lot of sense.” If you like the classmate’s comment, point out how it is consistent with part of our readings. Alternatively, you can bring in a different theoretical/research perspective to challenge or expand your classmate’s initial post.

Paper For Above instruction

The participation in online discussion forums is a vital component of the learning process, particularly in courses focused on complex subjects like human development. The structured nature of these discussions fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to integrate course material into thoughtful dialogue. Effective participation requires understanding both the logistical expectations—timing, word counts, and response requirements—and the academic standards—substantive, well-supported, and analytical contributions.

Initially, students are expected to make a thoughtful post responding to the instructor's prompt, which should be at least 400 words and formulated as a new thread. The purpose of this initial post is to demonstrate comprehension of the course material, articulate insights clearly, and set a foundation for subsequent discussions. The initial posts are due by Thursday at 11:59 PM CST each week, providing a deadline that ensures students have adequate time to reflect and conduct research if needed. Responses to classmates’ posts are due by Sunday at 11:59 PM and must be at least 200 words. These responses should go beyond simple agreement or praise; instead, students should critically engage with their peers’ ideas, supporting their viewpoints with course concepts, theories, or relevant research.

The structure and quality of posts are essential for a meaningful exchange of ideas. Well-crafted responses resemble short essays that demonstrate critical thinking, synthesis of course content, and original perspective. Merely expressing personal opinions without backing them up with coursework weakens the quality of engagement and could lead to lower grades.

Encouraging a respectful academic environment, students are free to agree or disagree with their peers, but they must substantiate their positions with evidence derived from their coursework. For example, when responding, students might cite specific theories, research findings, or course readings to support their stance or challenge another's argument. This practice promotes intellectual rigor and enhances understanding of human development issues discussed in class.

In conclusion, active participation in online discussions is more than fulfilling a requirement; it is an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of course content, develop critical thinking skills, and engage professionally with their classmates’ perspectives. Adhering to word counts, deadlines, and academic standards ensures that discussions are productive, respectful, and enriching for all participants.

References

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