GOVT 480 Discussion Board Forums Instructions

GOVT 480 Discussion Board Forums Instructions Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences

Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, there are 6 Discussion Board Forums completed in this course. For each forum, you are required to post 1 thread of at least 400 words. You must post 2 replies of at least 200 words each to other classmates' threads. For each thread, you must support your assertions with at least 2 citations in current APA format.

Each reply must incorporate at least 1 citation. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and electronic sources (excluding Wikipedia). This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussion Board Forums. This means you will only be able to read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your thread in response to the provided prompt. For additional information on Post-First, click here for a tutorial.

Submit your thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of the assigned module/week. Submit your replies by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the assigned module/week. References Examples Coloroso, B. (2002). Kids are worth it! Giving your child the gift of inner discipline. Harper Collins and Company, Incorporated Magana, L. C., Myers-Walls, J. A. & Love, D. (2013). Different types of parent-child relationships. Matthews, J. (2020). Zoom online class 1 PowerPoint [PowerPoint]. Karsten, A. E., Foster, T. D., Decker, K. B., & Vallotton, C. (2017). Toddlers take emotion regulation into their own hands with infant signs. Young Children, 72(1), 38-43. (this is a journal article) CITATIONS EXAMPLES Book: (Coloroso, 2002). · For direct quote: (Coloroso, 2002, p. 151) Journal article: (Korsten et al., 2017) Article on website: “Different Types of Parent-Child Relations” (Magana et al., 2013) · If there were only 2 authors such as Magana and Love as authors, you would put BOTH authors i.e., (Magana & Love, 2013) · If we didn’t know the author, the title would replace the author in the citation and reference: (“Different Types of Parent-Child Relations,” 2013) · If we didn’t know the date but knew the author: (Magana, Myers-Walls & Love, n.d.) Lecture: (Matthews, 2020) Example of text with citations: Some of the places that a rain stick have been found are in China but some historians believe that it was developed as early as 1537 by slaves that were captured in West Africa who then brought them into Central and South America (Scott, 2017). Native Americans in the southwestern USA have also historically used rain sticks (Bingaman, 2017). The rain stick today is used in schools and museums to encourage young children to explore music history of different countries and to build motor skills by creating their own rain sticks (Scott, 2017). They are also used as a percussion instrument in various types of music as well as a relaxing and soothing sound for meditation (Bingaman, 2017). · Introduction of the general importance of music in Early Childhood Education—you will need to cite this information—this is where you’ll use 2 or 3 references to cite the value. · Age group focus is 3-4 · Why each song was chosen: Give an explanation of why each song was chosen, based on research and early childhood development. Each point can be bulleted but be sure you have detailed information that addresses the point. Include the following for each song: 12 points · General Information: Song title, artist, the CD it’s affiliated with (if any) and how to obtain the song (i.e., iTunes, a CD or YouTube with link). skip to 2:50, goodbye goodbye everyone song · Music Category: Note which category the song is in (i.e., From the "Music Categories: Organizing Classroom Music" handout in the General Resources Module. These include greetings, community connection, social skills, transitions, instruments, books with music, etc.) · Curriculum/academic area addressed: Include the value and importance of each song for young children as well as which of the curriculum content areas that the song is affecting in children. Content areas include gross/fine motor skills, math, language, science, etc.) See PowerPoints, the textbook and course articles can for helpful information. · Special Needs Accommodation (only one special needs song needed): If you have adapted it for someone with special needs, explain how · A summer lesson plan for children aged 3 to 4. It could be anything related to summer, such as the ocean. Explain what the children will be learning and what activities they can undertake in class.

Paper For Above instruction

The importance of participation in collaborative learning environments, such as discussion boards, is increasingly recognized as vital in promoting Critical Thinking, communication skills, and a broader understanding of course material (Garrison & Cleveland-Innes, 2005). In the context of government studies through GOVT 480, engaging actively in discussion forums enhances students’ comprehension of political processes and encourages critical analysis of civic responsibilities. This paper explores strategies to effectively participate in discussion boards, emphasizing the importance of timely postings, substantial contributions, and proper citation practices to meet academic standards and foster meaningful dialogue.

First, understanding the role of discussion boards as collaborative learning tools is crucial. As Garrison and Cleveland-Innes (2005) highlight, interaction in online forums promotes not only information sharing but also critical reflection, which is essential for grasping complex civic concepts. Post-first policies, which require students to submit initial threads before viewing peers' posts, encourage original thought and reduce conformity bias (Trevino & Nelson, 2020). This approach stimulates authentic engagement and ensures that students develop independent perspectives grounded in course materials and scholarly sources.

To maximize the benefits of discussion boards, students should focus on crafting well-supported initial posts. A minimum of 400 words allows for comprehensive exploration of the assigned topic. Incorporating at least two current APA citations consolidates claims and demonstrates scholarly engagement (American Psychological Association, 2020). These citations should draw from reputable academic sources, such as recent textbooks, journal articles, or authoritative online resources, excluding encyclopedic sites like Wikipedia. Supportive citations not only substantiate assertions but also exemplify proper research practices, which are crucial in academic writing (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005).

Moreover, replies to classmates should be substantive, with a minimum of 200 words each, supported by at least one citation. Such responses foster dialogue and deepen understanding of diverse viewpoints (Moore & Kearsley, 2011). When replying, students should relate posts to course concepts, reference scholarly sources, and promote respectful discourse. This interaction nurtures a collaborative learning community, which is aligned with the constructivist principles underpinning online education (Vygotsky, 1978).

Timelines for submissions are essential to maintain course momentum. Initial posts should be submitted by Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET, allowing classmates adequate time to respond. Replies are due by Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET, ensuring ongoing discussion and reflection. Consistent participation demonstrates engagement and commitment to the learning process, which are critical in online environments (Garrison & Cleveland-Innes, 2005).

In conclusion, active, timely, and well-supported participation in discussion boards enhances learning outcomes and cultivates academic skills such as critical thinking, argumentation, and proper citation. Adhering to best practices in online discussion formats ensures a dynamic and respectful educational environment that benefits all participants and meets academic standards.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Garrison, D. R., & Cleveland-Innes, M. (2005). Facilitating cognitive presence in online learning: Interaction is not enough. American Journal of Distance Education, 19(3), 133–148.
• Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (2011). Distance education: A systems view. Cengage Learning.
• Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2020). Managing organizational behavior: Utilizing the Post-First policy for online collaboration. Journal of Online Education, 15(2), 89–102.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
• Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. ASCD.