Discussion Post and Discussion Responses

In an online classroom, students are required to submit discussion posts weekly. Discussion posts are the best way students can interact with the course online. They are an integral element of the course because they provide a space where students can exchange ideas, discuss their interpretation of the course materials, and brainstorm ways of solving a problem. They are often graded and contribute significantly to your final grade. Your lecturer might look at the quality of the content, the length, or how it meets the instructions and the syllabus expectations. This article will guide you on how to write a strong discussion post and how to respond to your classmates' discussion posts.

How to Write a Discussion Post

Discussion posts are similar to classroom discussions, only that you have to write them instead of voicing them. Think of them as small essays. Follow these steps to write an effective discussion post.

1.        Understand the Guidelines

Read the assignment instructions carefully, paying attention to how the assignment relates to what you learned in the syllabus. Check for any required reading. Also, check for other requirements, such as word count. Most assignments will specify the citation style for the sources. It could be APA, MLA, Havard, Chicago, etc.

2.        Read

Complete the required reading. Remember that discussion posts are related to what you are learning in the course. This means that even if the assignment does not instruct you to read, you will need to use the ideas and concepts you learned during the week.

3.        Read the Rubric

Read the scoring Rubric to understand how your work will be assessed. Specifically, focus on the requirements for the highest scoring assignment. You will ensure that your discussion post reflects all these elements.

4.        Create a Rough Outline

Don't jump into writing yet. Write down some ideas and reactions to the topic. Identify 1 or 2 ideas that your post will revolve around by examining the amount of evidence available to support the claim. Use these pointers to create an outline that will guide you to make your discussion post understandable and convincing.

5.        Write

Begin by organizing the questions into paragraphs. Sometimes each question will be discussed in its paragraph. But other times, related questions may be grouped in one paragraph. You may also come across a complicated question that needs to be written in several paragraphs. Like all academic forms of writing, discussion posts need an introduction. However, they require shorter introductions because they are short papers. Include some background information and a statement of purpose in your introduction. Move on to the body paragraphs once you are satisfied with how your introduction looks.

Start your body paragraphs with a topic sentence. The topic sentence will tell the reader what the paragraph will be about. It will also guide your ideas all through the paragraph. Then build the paragraph with an analysis of the question and your reasoning and evidence to support the claims. You can also share an experience from the past or a new idea you've just learned. Lastly, wrap up with a brief conclusion. Restate the key points and discuss the implications of your discussion post.

6.        Review and Edit

Your draft is complete, but it's not ready for submission yet. Read it out aloud to try and spot mistakes. You can also ask a friend, classmate, or relative to read it. Online software like Grammarly can help too. Correct any spelling and grammar mistakes. Also, correct any mistakes in the content and formatting. Add necessary transitions and organize the text to flow.

Use this checklist to perfect your discussion post.

✔      Checklist

●         Did you include ideas from the course?

●         Did you stick to the word count?

●         Did you stay on topic?

●         Did you cite sources correctly?

●         Is your work free of errors?

Discussion Response

After you've answered your questions, you must read and comment on other students' answers. The way you reply will influence your grade. Here are some strategies to help you make a strong response.

-            Summarize Ideas

Write a summary of what the post has articulated. Mention where you feel the student wasn't specific enough or has gone out of topic. At the same time, be respectful of your language. Be sensitive to other people's culture, gender, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. Also, refrain from using caps in whole words or sentences, as it looks like you are yelling.

-            Discuss Areas of Agreement or Disagreement

Point out where or when you agree or disagree with an answer given. You can quote to show what part you are talking about. Be careful not to take disagreements personally. Use formal language to express disagreements instead of slang and jargon.

-            Include your Perspective

Although you might agree with the writer completely, you cannot make a shallow comment like 'Good post' or 'I agree' You need to say you agree and then proceed to give your unique perspective. Your instructor is looking to see your unique take on the issue. Keep in mind that you need your contribution to be relevant. Keep it relevant to the topic of discussion and the course syllabus.

-            Share your Experience

Feel free to use your experience to show that you can relate to and understand what the writer is trying to express. For example, you can say, 'I've had to queue for long hours in a hospital. I know nursing staff shortage is a real problem in America today.' Think of ways of building the conversation. You can also attach links, videos, and audio recordings to support your views.

-            Pose a Question

End the response with an open-ended question to keep the discussion moving and engage the readers. You can ask a question to better understand the information or ask a follow-up question so the writer can elaborate on an aspect. Asking questions shows that you are genuinely interested in  the discussion.

Here is a sample of a discussion post and discussion response to inspire you.

Tips for writing an outstanding discussion post

Writing discussion posts can sometimes be tricky. Here is a quick guide on how to write discussion posts.

The best discussion threads are detailed but brief, sharing only the most relevant and easily understandable information with the group. Rereading your comment is a must. Before you post, it's a good idea to copy and paste your discussion post into a Word document and verify it for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Maintain a constant stream of fresh, insightful observations. It would be superfluous to repeat an observation that has already been made. Provoke thought and conversation whenever possible. If you share the respondents' prior views, you should provide a different example or a different source.

If applicable, please cite and quote from the text. In these cases, you should quote directly from the text referenced in the prompt.

Think carefully about what you want to say online before you say it. To make a good impression, your posts should show that you have given the topic significant consideration and have a well-thought-out strategy for responding to it.

Every post should contain some personal element, such as your thoughts, recounting an experience, or a lesson you've learned. This provides evidence from specifics, anecdotes, or examples from your own experience to support your claim.

Be sure to provide a creative justification for your opinion rather than simply stating whether or not you agree with the poster. Maintain an atmosphere of professionalism and politeness at all times, and never resort to criticism of the person rather than the words made by that person

Keep tabs on deadlines. Usually, there is a strict deadline for when you need to post in a forum. Your conversation can only take place at this very now, much like in a classroom.

Try spending some time revising your comments before posting. No matter how rushed you are, your posts should never have errors like these.

Don't go off-topic, or your post could get deleted. If you have a question or comment that isn't directly related to the topic, please send it to me via email.

Don't just give your classmates a passing grade. Provide some consideration to the answers you give in class. Justify your stance by giving specific examples and explaining why you agree or disagree. Conversations can be maintained through the use of follow-up questions.

When you post, try to end it with a question. By asking questions, you may keep the conversation continuing, encourage people to respond to your discussion post, and potentially learn something new.

Tips on How to write a discussion response

Here are four guidelines to remember when you reply to postings in the debate.

Add some depth to it. We do not live in a society where everyone constantly compliments one another. Teachers are interested in hearing your unique perspective, so be prepared to make a compelling case with lots of supporting details.

Given the nature of the platform, feel free to include supporting proof in the form of a video, audio clip, or link.

If a fellow student has said something that strikes a chord with you, you don't have to sit there and agree with them; you may offer your insight or a personal narrative to the discussion. You must think of ways to expand the discussion, not just nod and smile.

Be sure to back up your claim with some reasoning. Justify your standpoint by giving examples of how it applies to the topic. It's up to you whether you want to develop a relationship with your peers on a more personal level. One of the best ways to show that you have internalized what you have learned in class is to use that knowledge in a practical context.

The context of your writing is really important. To back up your position, whether you agree or disagree, it's important to provide context by referencing relevant material from the course outline or your notes. Indicate specifically what about your classmate's post you're replying to. This will help everyone understand the conversation better. Many students have the bad habit of rambling on their discussion response and adding little substance. This is filler text that has no use. Avoid being "that student." When formulating a response, it is important to do so in the proper setting and with content pertinent to the question asked and the topic at hand. Instead of points for word count, you earn brownie points for thoughtful, helpful comments.

To stimulate conversation, try asking more open-ended questions. To respond to an open-ended question, the respondent must provide more than a simple yes/no answer. Asking an open-ended question forces the respondent to apply their critical thinking skills and encourages introspection.

There should be no fear in voicing disagreement. It is acceptable to argue against an argument or take the role of "devil's advocate." If you insist on disagreeing, at least do so civilly. It's fine to express your interpretation; everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Consider bringing in some outside help. Useful responses typically incorporate information from elsewhere. Provide a link to a helpful article or website that expands on the subject. Bringing in fresh, relevant concepts from outside the prescribed readings might help students go beyond what they've already learned.

Act with dignity. It's crucial to respect the ideas of others and the medium you're communicating in by doing things like not taking criticism personally, reacting nicely to it, and sticking to academic language instead of slang, jargon, and emojis. When deciding what to include in your discussion post, it's important to ask yourself if you'd say it out loud. People's gender, culture, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs need your respect.

Don't limit your imagination. It's frustrating when everyone's comments in a thread start to sound the same. Start a discussion by introducing a novel concept or asking a thought-provoking inquiry.

It is important to keep in mind that the online discussion forum is intended as a two-way communication channel between you, your classmates, and the teacher. Keep an open mind, but don't be afraid to voice your views. Your online interactions will be more productive if you and your fellow students follow these guidelines. Remember to submit your answers on time.

Discussion Response Example

I concur with Jon that there was an abundance of reading this week. (It was enjoyable reading, however.) President Benson's speech to teenage mothers and his advice rang out to me. So, as the mother of a 16-year-old, it had a bit more meaning than normal, and I read it slowly and attentively. President Benson advised parents to continue showing and expressing their love for their children. We acknowledge that it may be simpler when they are younger, but he insists that we must continue to do it as they grow older. Pres. Andersen requested that we "work toward this with prayer."

I am extremely fortunate to have a great daughter. However, I am aware that time is frequently an issue for us. Due to our church, work, school, and community duties, we do most of our talking in the car or late at night before praying. I frequently feel pressured and question whether I am teaching her what I should do. Now that I have read the words of President Benson, I will remember to pray about it. I will remember to pray particularly for her to gain the knowledge she requires. I'm aware that I require additional assistance. This mother's day weekend was very inspiring after studying the importance of women and moms. It made me feel indispensable to the scheme of Heavenly Father. Yes, you need a mother, I had previously thought upon hearing this phrase. But I sensed it through these readings. I shared some prophetic readings and advice with my daughter to teach her and make her realize how important she is. After hearing these things, she informed me for the first time, "Mom, I aspire to become a mother someday!" I thought that was cool. She discussed her goals to get married in the temple and to have a family, as well as the methods she would use to raise her children and the lessons she would teach them. My kid and I had a terrific teaching and learning experience. I am delighted by her wish to become a mother, although I am far from ideal. It gives me the impression that perhaps I am doing something properly.

Discussion Response Example

As a teacher, I think it's crucial that you figure out how to develop your pupils' skills. And as Edward put it, the most effective approach to do this is to improve and streamline our communication. In most cases, students, especially younger ones, are reluctant to go to teachers for guidance. They still lack the cognitive development necessary to understand the implications of such a statement. Therefore, it is the educator's responsibility to ensure that the pupils comprehend the nature of their actions and potential consequences.

A teacher can learn a lot about a student's attitude towards their work and what needs to be done to enhance it simply by seeing what the student is drawing. I believe this is a trait emphasized at all levels of education, from primary school to college. Generally speaking, students, particularly younger ones, are not known for their verbal communication skills. So, the drawing may be their most effective means of communication and self-expression. If students keep their negative or aggressive emotions at bay, this can also serve as therapy. But that's how I see it, anyway. I welcome any feedback you have on this matter.

Thanks,

King

Discussion Response Example

Right now, the best examples of discussion board responses may be seen in Julie's post. Indeed, posting answers on online forums isn't always a picnic. And that's clear from the direction that discussions here have been going. Regarding school, some pupils are more reserved, while others are more vocal. Because of this, we must remember that every one of us is born into and develops in a unique setting. How we were raised profoundly shapes our interpersonal and intercultural skills.

While developing the skills necessary to become more responsive and involved takes time, we can all get there more quickly with practice. Additionally, I appreciated how the book discussed the interplay of multiple variables in determining a child's communicative and interactive response. It seems to me that introducing content that encourages everyone in the group to participate actively would be more productive. That's the model that every internet chat room should try to follow. Everyone will feel more comfortable speaking up during group discussions.

Martin

How To Format Discussion Posts In APA

The final part of understanding how to write a discussion post is understanding how to format it into APA. Like writing papers, utilizing APA format in online discussions is expected. Your discussion post should follow the same formal format as a short paper written in the APA style. All of the references you used in your post should be listed on a References-style page at the end or beginning of your entry, depending on your assignment's requirements.

When posting on Canvas discussion boards, keep the following in mind regarding References citation format:

·         The rest of your references, however, ought to be excellent. If you type it up neatly without any hanging indents, I'm sure your professor will overlook this.

·         Your librarian does not believe a dangling indent is necessary for a forum post.

·         This is not a Word document, so you can't simply do things like making a hanging indent.

·         The reference within the text is the simple part. Instead of linking to the source, mention where you found the information.

The Bottom Line

Discussion posts and responses are integral to the success of your academic journey. You need to express yourself well while at the same time sticking to the rules, both written and unwritten. Since the discussion is always online., you will be judged based on whatever you are posting.

Ensure that you summarize your ideas, agree or disagree with the matter at hand, include your perspective, share your experience, and then pose a question. Use the how to write a discussion post ultimate guide above. If you are stuck on how to write a discussion response. Get discussion post writing help from our experts. Sign up at Essaybankcorp.com and place your order.