Note: *If you are in an online course, discussions take place in the Discussions forum within WorldClass. If you are in a ground-based classroom course, you will be having in-class discussions.
The learning in a fully online course is greatly enhanced through the exchange of student ideas in the discussion forums and is in lieu of traditional face-to-face discussions. Thus the discussion forum is an integral part of this course and counts as a significant part of your grade.
As in a traditional class, student discussions should be conducted in a respectful, courteous manner. All perspective are considered as we learn with each other and response posts should reflect your professionalism and leadership. Please refrain from threats, ad hominem attacks, and other disrespectful rhetorical tactics. Failure to conduct oneself in a respectful manner in the discussion forums will adversely affect your grade.
A discussion forum is a thoughtful and complete comment or response to a question or topic. Discussion forums take the place of classroom discussion and usually involve one or more classmates in dialog. The purpose of discussion is to dialog with classmates and faculty about ideas presented in readings and learning activities as well as to enhance learning through application of concepts and key points.
All postings are expected to be thoughtful responses to stated questions or participants' comments. It is expected that you substantiate your opinions with references. The individual response posting should consist of at least 100 words about the question (the length may vary depending on the topic,use your judgment if a longer response is required).
You are expected to respond to two other learners or as the assignment dictates. This response needs to reflect your reading and analysis of the response and your thoughts regarding it. Plan your posting early in the week to allow for some exchange before week´s end. Stay current with your postings and responses to each week´s discussion, as it will not only help the discussion process, but is a requirement for the successful completion of the course.
Grading is based on both quantity and quality (relevance, clarity, completeness) of your response. Quality postings are more than "Good job!" or "I agree with you!" If you agree with a classmate, explain the reasons for this. If you disagree with a classmate, provide reasons to support your position.
Thinking is driven by questions. Throughout your discussion activities you will be expected to use Socratic questioning. Socratic questioning is a method that not only keeps the discussion moving but may provide healthy debate or even a little 'devil's advocate' questioning. As you participate in the discussion, strive to dig deep beneath the surface of the issue, topic, or problem at hand. Examine assumptions and perspectives posted by others. Certainly, if you don´t understand what has been said in the discussion, ask a question for clarity. This form of questioning is meant to push your thinking so please don´t ask questions only for questions sake.
*Socratic Questioning includes:
*Source: http://changingminds.org/techniques/questioning/socratic_questions.htm
Be aware that many of the discussions are "first post" discussions. Please post your first original response no later than Wednesday, 11:59pm of the week that it is assigned. You won't see any other postings in the discussion forum until you make your own "first post." After you make your first post the other posts will be revealed and you can move forward with reading those posts and making your responses and interactions with your peers. Your comments should include direct references from the text, in the form of definitions, quotes or statistics. Be sure to cite these sources at the end of your post. Respond to at least two (2) other students' comments/postings no later than Sunday, 11:59pm of the week it is assigned.
Your discussion is worth 8 points total; with 4 for the first post and 2 for each response.
| Grade | Criteria |
|---|---|
| A- to A 90 – 100% |
An “A” discussion participator demonstrates excellence by contributing one or more of the following:
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| B- to B 80 – 89% |
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| C- to C 70 – 79% |
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| D or F 0 – 69% |
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