Discussion

Discussion Activity Guideline 

Note: this document is ADA formatted and can be used as a model for technical writing. For the purposes of this class, ADA compliant writing typically means that documents are accessible to people who may need a reading software to translate print into audio. We may touch upon ADA compliance at different points of the semester as both an ethical and legal issue. For more information on ADA, please visit the following website: ​Introduction to the ADA​.

Overview  

This document is meant to help you, as the student, understand Discussion activities, why I assign them, and how I assess this assignment so that you can better meet the learning outcomes and grading expectations.

What is a Discussion Activity? 

A discussion activity is both a subpage of your online Canvas course and an assignment that is similar to traditional class discussions. Using Canvas, you will be posting your thoughts, arguments, and questions regarding materials from the class. Similar to traditional class discussions, you will be able to respond to other students enrolled in your class mostly through writing, unless otherwise prompted.

What is the point of Discussion Activities? 

 

The objective of the discussion activities is for students to engage with the materials and ideas presented by this course and by your classmates. Such discussions can help you clarify your own thinking, provide you new, valuable perspectives on ideas and concepts, and raise questions that may extend or challenge the readings. Please see the syllabus for details on grading.

What Should I do To Succeed at Discussion Activities? 

You should do the following:

● Respond to the discussion prompt as comprehensively as possible. Many of these discussion activities may be a few paragraphs in length. Please refer to the specific prompt for any length requirement.

● Make sure you include direct quotations, citations, and other forms of support. These aspects to writing helps build your ethos (credibility and authority) as a writer in this class and beyond.

● In addition to posting your own response to the prompt, you will be asked to respond to other students in class. ​Typically, you should respond to 2 to 3 ​student posts, unless specified by the prompt. These responses ought to be ​respectful​, ​meaningful, and thoughtful​.

 

How do I Write Meaningful Responses that Respect Others? 

Here are a few specific ways that you can start a response:

● "I agree with your reading of this passage on... but have you thought about...." (fill in the blanks).

● "Have you considered thinking about 'X' idea or the scenario in this way.... " ● "I see where you are coming from, but have you thought about... " ● "Someone else in class brought up this point... what are your thoughts..." ● "I have found the readings to support/not support my experiences in professional

settings..." ● "I respectfully disagree with your interpretation and this is why..." ● "I would like to extend on what you are saying..." ● "I wonder how this will translate to a different context such as..."

Finally, I am looking for you to demonstrate the following points in your posts:

● Did you read the assigned materials and does your writing demonstrate this? Include direct quotations and paraphrases and proper in-text (parenthetical) citations (MLA style) to support your arguments/claims.

● Are you thoughtfully and respectfully engaging the reading and other peers' posts? ● Are you contributing to the conversation or are you simply repeating what others say? I

will need to see demonstrations of critical thinking and “grappling” of ideas. Please note that Discussion assignments may require you to post first before you can read and respond to other posts.