Discussion Board Rundown

This course's beating heart? It's the discussion boards, my friends – the spot where your gray matter gets to shine. We aren't here to parrot facts; we're digging deep, peeling back the "why" beneath the "what." So when you're typing away, you're not just tapping keys; you're weaving connections, sparking intellectual bonfires. Your thoughts aren't just for you; they're nuggets of wisdom for the whole crew. It's a two-way street, a dance of learning and teaching, turning this virtual gig into a mind-bending voyage. So, friends, seize the reins, embrace the discourse, and make history unforgettable.

Man v. Discussion Board (2023)

​Student Participation
Students are anticipated to utilize the Blackboard platform throughout the week to review messages provided by the instructor, engage with course materials, and participate in virtual exchanges. Here are the necessary steps to follow:

• Every week, a discussion prompt will be provided. Typically, these prompts revolve around the content covered in the lessons for that specific week.
• You must formulate a response and submit it before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
• Your initial contribution should consist of at least two comprehensive paragraphs and draw upon information from a pair of distinct sources.
• Furthermore, it's expected that you contribute responses to two classmates. These responses should encompass either a thought-provoking query or your reflections and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
• The grading of this activity will hinge on both your initial response and the subsequent two interactions. 12.5 points are allocated for the entire discussion task, encompassing the prompt response and the two ensuing replies.

To enhance the quality of your online discussion posts, here are some valuable suggestions to consider:

Citation:
In our post-citation world, academia often seems mired in the intricacies of citation styles, with professors more versed in APA and MLA than the actual subject matter. Yet, in this age of hyperlinks, the essence of knowledge can be just a click away. For this assignment, a citation is necessary, though my heart leans toward the historical community's beloved Chicago style. Still, I'm open – hit me with APA, MLA, or even a flashy interpretive dance of referencing. Remember, as illuminated by your sources, the professor's not digging for your innermost thoughts but the route you took to get there. Keep those beacons visible; otherwise, we both suffer the consequences.

Remember, professor was less interested in what YOU think or feel. They are concerned WHY you think the way you do through the sources you use.

Need help making a citation? KnightCite from Calvin University has an awesome free service to make the citation for you!

​Remember these important guidelines:

• Read directions- not all responses are from reading. Sometimes you will need to dig for your assignment. 
• Say something substantive- "I AGREE" is NOT a response! You must add why or how. 
• Don't procrastinate- The longer you wait, the less likely any will respond to your work.
• Ask a question if you're confused- That's why I am here! Or ask the forum.
• Review words for clarity and tone- If it doesn't make sense to you, it most likely won't make sense to me.

Here is a brutally honest video about discussion boards in general:

​Grading Rubric

Proficient  (100%)
The student's ideas in their discussion posts demonstrate original thought, depth of analysis, and relevance to the topic. They effectively connect their ideas to course readings and materials and make meaningful contributions to the class discussion. In addition, their writing is well-crafted, with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and their posting habits are excellent: they consistently post early in the discussion period and offer ample time for their classmates to read and respond.

Competent (76%)
The student's ideas in their discussion posts are generally relevant and thoughtfully considered, though there may be some room for improvement in terms of originality. They make some connections to course readings and materials and contribute meaningfully to the class discussion. Their writing is clear and generally well-crafted, with only minor grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. They meet the minimum requirements for participation, including all required postings and replies, and provide an acceptable amount of time for their classmates to read and respond.

Novice (44%)
The students' ideas in their discussion posts demonstrate a basic understanding of the topic but may need more depth or originality. They make minimal connections to course readings and materials, and their contributions to the class discussion are limited. Their writing is generally clear, though it may contain some grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, and their style is casual. They meet the minimum requirements for participation by posting all required responses by the deadline, but some of their postings may have needed more time for their classmates to read and respond.

Unsatisfactory (0%)
​The student's ideas in their discussion posts demonstrate a need for a greater understanding of the topic being discussed and not attempt to connect their ideas to course readings or materials. Their contributions to the class discussion are minimal and do not significantly contribute to the learning process. Their writing is below average in quality, lacks standard English, and may be difficult for readers to follow. They still need to meet the minimum requirements for participation, either by missing required postings or not providing enough time for their classmates to read and respond to their posts.

​Wanting to learn more? Check out these links for other portions of the class:

Midterm/Exam

Final Project

Final Thesis

Sources