250 word forum

Discussion Board Instructions

This document explains how you are to complete your Discussion Board Forum threads and replies. The threads are due in Modules/Weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. The replies are due in Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. The learning theories upon which this class is based are actualized in the threads. Discussion Board Forums are designed to assess higher-level critical thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Threads

In Modules/Weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7 you will select 1 of the 4 questions provided and submit your answer in a substantive* thread of 250–350 words, citing at least 2 approved sources using correct and current APA formatting. Approved sources include the course textbook (as one of your sources) and a full-text, peer-reviewed article retrieved from Liberty University’s online journal database (as your second source). No general Internet searching is acceptable. Therefore, blogs, education sites, commercial sites, Wikipedia, About.com, editorials, abstracts, online books, or book reviews are not acceptable for this assignment.

*Note: Substantive in this instance means completely answering the question and providing support with your use of authoritative sources.

The last portion of your thread must include a complete reference list properly formatted according to current APA standards. The reference list does not contribute to your word count. You are also required to include the persistent link to this record/permalink within your reference list for any journal articles used. Within EbscoHost, you will find the “Persistent link to this Record/Permalink” on the page of the journal database where you see “Title,” “Authors,” “Source,” “Document Type,” etc. This permalink typically ends in “…ehost-live&scope=site.” For assistance with the persistent link, more instructions are found in Additional Materials in the Syllabus & Assignment Instructions folder.

Threads are due no later than 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of each assigned module/week. Late submissions will not be accepted or graded.

Replies

In Modules/Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 you will be required to submit a constructive* reply of 200–300 words to 1 other student’s thread. You must follow the 2-by-2 format, where you discuss at least 2 points of agreement and 2 points of disagreement and why. You must expect to enter into ongoing virtual discussions with your classmates and be prepared to answer questions about your own topics put forth during the discussion. Student interaction in the Discussion Board Forum is key to success in the course.

Note: *Constructive in this instance means promoting further development of the thread. The goal is to facilitate the learning process and add suggestions for improvement that benefit the student to whom you are responding.

Replies 1, 2, and 3 are due no later than 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Modules/Weeks 2, 4, and 6. Reply 4 is due no later than 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of Module/Week 8, the last day of the course.

Late postings will not be accepted or graded.

To gain the most from your Discussion Board Forums:

· Read both the threads of your classmates and the articles used.

· Draw your classmates into discussion of topics by asking questions.

· Expect to spend some time each day reviewing all threads and replies, even those with which you are not involved.

· The research and writing done for each forum is to prepare you to research and write upper-level research papers in current APA format. Each submission, whether thread or replies, must be written without grammar or spelling errors. In addition, all threads must contain in-text citations and at least 2 approved sources to substantiate and add credibility to your claims. These must be properly formatted according to current APA guidelines.

· Utilize the 3–4 paragraph format (1 introductory paragraph, 1–2 body paragraphs, and 1 conclusion paragraph), as this works well for this assignment. By employing the use of this format, readers are able to quickly discern the direction and organization of the thread. Written communication is often a challenge for college students due to the perceived complexity necessary for demonstration of writing skills. However, simpler is usually better. A logical flow of material is vital for effective conveyance of a certain message.

Consult the Additional Information folder to find out how to access the Liberty University Online Library. Also, consult the same folder to see examples of a properly formatted in-text citation and a source within a reference list.