Discussion Settings and Standards

Summary

This video provides essential guidelines for successfully completing graded discussion assignments in your course. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful and thorough responses, including the need to use the original message in replies to provide context. Students are advised to maintain college-level writing standards and engage meaningfully with classmates by contributing new insights rather than restating ideas. Timely participation is encouraged to enhance the quality of discussions, and resources are available for further guidance. By following these best practices, students can maximize their learning and engagement in online discussions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discussions help develop student success strategies and provide practice in responding thoughtfully to prompts.
• 😀 Always include the original message in your replies to give context and avoid losing points.
• 😀 Each discussion has unique prompts; review general directions carefully before posting.
• 😀 You will not see other posts until you submit your own original response first.
• 😀 Notifications can be set up to alert you of new posts in discussions, helping you stay engaged.
• 😀 College-level writing is expected; avoid using shortcuts, emojis, and abbreviations common in social media.
• 😀 Replies should add new information, not just rephrase classmates' ideas, and should include references or examples.
• 😀 Post your original response early in the week to allow time for classmates to engage with your ideas.
• 😀 Respect and courtesy are essential when communicating online, similar to in-person discussions.
• 😀 Break down assignments into stages to improve the quality of your posts and avoid last-minute rushes.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the course discussed in the video?

The course focuses on student success strategies and teaches students how to engage in discussions effectively, demonstrating their understanding of course concepts.

Why is it important to include the original message in replies?

Including the original message provides context for your reply, helping readers understand the discussion better and avoiding points deduction for not following this requirement.

What should students do if they want to stay updated on discussion posts?

Students should subscribe to discussions to receive notifications about new posts, which they can customize through their profile settings.

What writing standards are expected in discussion posts and replies?

Students are expected to use college-level writing, which includes proper grammar, punctuation, and full sentences, avoiding informal language and shortcuts.

How can students ensure they adequately address discussion prompts?

Students should carefully read the prompts, ensuring they answer all parts and refer to required resources such as textbooks or videos.

What common mistakes do students make when replying to discussion posts?

A common mistake is replying in the wrong place; students should type their replies at the top where the cursor appears instead of under previous posts.

How should replies be structured to be effective?

Replies should include new information, relate to course concepts, and may include references or examples from course materials to enhance understanding.

What strategies can students use to manage their time effectively in discussions?

Students should post their original responses early in the week and make replies throughout the week to ensure thoughtful contributions without rushing.

What is the significance of maintaining a respectful tone in discussions?

Maintaining a respectful tone is crucial as discussions are formal assignments, and practicing courtesy fosters a positive learning environment.

What should students avoid including in their replies to keep them professional?

Students should avoid unnecessary comments like 'good luck' or informal language; instead, they should focus on providing meaningful content relevant to the discussion.