Writing a discussion board post is not easy, but it is not impossible. Regardless of your skill level, you will find that there are many tips that you can apply to make it easier.
Preparation is key
The discussion board is a major part of your course, and is the place where you interact with your professor and other students. In order to get the most out of your time on the forum, it’s important to know how to craft effective posts. Here are six tips to help you.
First, consider the topic of the discussion. This is especially important if you’re taking an online class. You want to choose a question that encourages meaningful discussions, while still being relevant to the material. It’s also important to remember that people have different thoughts and experiences. Therefore, you should not post a question that’s purely theoretical. Instead, write a story that illustrates the concept and relates it to your life.
Second, read other students’ postings. This is a great way to get feedback and see what your classmates think of the topic. It’s also a good way to start to form a connection with your classmates.
Third, check your spelling and grammar. If you use a course management system, you’ll have tools for this, but you can also use your favorite word processing software. A course management system also has a preview tool that you can use to make sure your post is correct.
Fourth, take your time. If you’re having trouble expressing your thoughts, ask for help.
Avoid word count requirements
A discussion board post, whether on a campus forum or an online forum, presents students with a chance to engage in lively discussions on a variety of topics. Like a live classroom, this mode of learning requires active participation, as well as a willingness to learn from others. It also helps to have a plan, or at least a schedule, so that students do not get bogged down in day-to-day activity. This can improve student performance in other gradable elements of the course.
One of the first things to do when writing a discussion board post is to consider the number of words you’re allowed to use. Typically, this is somewhere between 250 and 1000 words, which is less than you might imagine. A good rule of thumb is to limit your discussion to a handful of concise ideas. This will keep you from making any faux pas and help you to produce a readable piece of writing.
Among other things, a well-crafted discussion board post should include a well-researched introductory sentence, a few supporting sentences, and a well-crafted conclusion. It should also contain a nod to the topic’s significance, such as a well-placed and well-chosen quote. It may even be appropriate to incorporate your own ideas, as long as they are well-supported by the relevant literature.
Analyze, reflect, or give ideas without general info
A discussion board post is a great way to engage your classmates. It can also improve your grammar and writing. Plus, it can be a good time to check out your instructor’s feedback. A little extra effort can go there a long way in helping you boost your grade. However, it’s important to remember that your grade depends on the quality of your work.
Fortunately, most discussion boards have a built-in peer tutoring feature. This can help students improve their writing and content clarity without the tedium of submitting assignments individually. The first time you post on a discussion board, it’s a good idea to make a point of checking back and responding to your classmates’ contributions.
Another smart move is to make a list of your best ideas before you hit the keyboard. After all, you’ll want to come up with an effective and succinct argument. You should also make sure to add a few examples and a few supporting details.
As with any online endeavor, your performance can be enhanced by a tad of polish. You might consider asking your instructor to proofread your work. In addition, you can use a tool like Google Docs to store your ideas and drafts. This way, you can keep your notes and ideas organized, which will allow you to write faster and more effectively.
