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.