Developing your project scope

By doing this, the concepts in question are on your mind as you read and learn. You’ll save time when it comes to writing the post as you will have already begun formulating ideas. Don’t get stuck having to re-read or find where the discussion topics are mentioned in the text at the last minute because you didn’t realize how important the section was when you read it the first time.

2. Review the professor’s rubric in the Student Center at the start of the quarter.

Professors have the power to adjust rubrics, discussion questions, and assignment prompts. What last quarter's professor required for full credit may not be what this quarter's requires. The rubric is the checklist to everything the professor will be looking for while grading. Make sure you understand it and use it as a guide throughout the quarter.

During 1. Compose your discussion posts in MS Word.

Blackboard's discussion threads do not give you as much formatting control as MS Word and other word processing programs. Remember that the only impression the professor has of your commitment, interest, and effort is your discussion posts and papers. Formatting in MS Word allows you to make sure your post is uniform and looks professional. If you copy and paste questions and text in the discussion thread box from different screens, you run the risk of varying font colors, sizes, types, and spacing. Once you submit a post, there's no way to edit. Just like you dress your best for a job interview, type your best for discussion posts.

2. Check your posts in Grammarly before submitting.

Blackboard's discussion threads do not have a built-in spell or grammar checkers. The best advice is to use Grammarly to ensure the best quality post you can. All rubrics have points associated with grammar and clarity – Grammarly can help you earn those points!

3. Internalize APA formatting and style.

While discussion posts don't have to be completely APA formatting in regards to margins, font, size, spacing, and so on – they do need to look and sound professional, just as how you would present yourself in class. APA style can help with this. Incorporate signal phrases into your sentences and provide a pseudo-references list at the end of the post. Doing so replicates how in class you may say, "I read an article in the Washington Post yesterday about …" and the professor may respond, "That sounds like a great article for today's class, can you share the link with me?"

N.B. The rubric will come in handy here as some professors may have specific APA requirements.

4. End your posts with questions for further discussion.

Replying to someone else’s post is not easy. Make it easy for your fellow students to discuss your ideas by bringing up further ideas or questions. This extra touch will show your academic mindset to the professor and assist your students with replying. A well-discussed post is a quality post. Maybe the following week, other students will do it too!

5. Need suggestions for writing replies?

Sometimes discussion questions are closed ended, and it seems that everyone has the same response. These call for more creative replies and draw on the critical thinking skills you develop in college. Here are some ideas on how to respond to posts – connect the week's topic or student's idea to:

· Topics from another class or degree program

· Topics previously discussed in class

· An event at work

· A current news story

· A personal experience

If you’d like to get more creative, you could also try playing devil’s advocate if the question is calling for you to choose sides and most students have picked the same size. This will help you write an engaging post and build your argument skills.

After 1. Follow up with the professor on grading.

If you’re not happy with the grade you earned or you don’t understand – ask questions! If you don’t ask questions, I can almost guarantee you’ll continue losing the same points. The professors are here to guide you. Write them emails explaining what tools or approach you used to write and ask them for suggestions.

Mary A. Kavanagh, MLS [email protected]

LRCM @ Strayer Loudoun Last Reviewed April 2016