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Considerations for whole-class discussions
Before the assignment
Here are some things to keep in mind prior to your assignment in the Discussion Board:
- Let students know early in the course that their posts will be graded.
- Set up a rubric for grading posts, and share this with your students.
- Show them models of excellent posts, average posts, and below-average posts.
- Require that students are prepared before entering the discussion.
- Let students know that you will monitor and facilitate discussions.
- Establish your rules about Netiquette. Here are some examples:
- Treat people with respect.
- Be forgiving of others' mistakes.
- Don't use all uppercase letters. This is considered SHOUTING.
- Don't use profanities or insults. This is considered flaming.
- Respect everybody's opinions, even though some might clash with yours.
- Use only popular emoticons, such as :-) for a smile, ;-) for a wink, and :-( for unhappy.
During the assignment
Here are some things to keep in mind during the assignment:
- Facilitate and monitor the ongoing interactions.
- If you notice that some students aren't participating, send them a private e-mail.
- Post feedback to selected messages, particularly those that make important points. Make sure that feedback is substantive, not just a message that says, "Great post!" Tell why it was great.
- Ask students to clarify remarks or expand on ideas.
- Correct any misunderstandings.
- Let students know when they are on the right track.
- If students stray off-topic, get them back on it.
- Provide ongoing discussion summaries.
After the assignment
Here are some things to keep in mind after the assignment:
- Provide a discussion summary.
- Better yet, have selected students provide discussion summaries.
- Assess students based on your rubrics.
- Grade assignments in a timely fashion.
- Provide written feedback in a timely fashion.