Chapter 3: Post-Secondary Learning
20 Discussion Boards
Discussion boards are a function of Moodle that enable students to share their answers to a prompt and/or ask questions, etc. Courses frequently utilize discussion boards because they:
- enable students to interact with one another
- offer students the opportunity to learn valuable insights from one another
- allow everyone the opportunity to participate whether you are an extroverted or introverted individual, etc.
Discussion forum posts and replies may be evaluated for content and given a grade and/or count towards the calculation of a final grade. It is important to determine if and how discussion forums will be used within each of your courses as not all courses use them in the same way, have the same expectations, or allocate marks for discussions.
Tips for Writing Good Discussion Posts
Quite often professors will ask you to respond to a prompt or assigned reading on the discussion board. First and foremost, it is important that you read the prompt/reading in full and the instructions from the professor. If you try to wing it, you may end up doing too much or too little (likely the latter) or not meeting the requirements.
Good responses to discussion forums achieve the following:
- The response includes comments about the content of the original post
- It adds new thoughts, ideas, or knowledge to the thread
- It stimulates meaningful further discussion with others
Video: How to Write a GOOD Discussion Board Post
Watch the video “How to Write a GOOD Discussion Board Post” [6:17] from a student on crafting a good discussion post.
Please visit this Write an Online Discussion from the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library’s website. Read the “Example of a First Post” as well as the “Example of a Follow-Up Post” to see a well-constructed discussion post and response to an existing post.
Read the example of an all too common poor response to an online discussion post. This type of response reiterates the poster’s information numerous times without adding any new information and does not prompt any further discussion.
Online Discussion Board Example:
Emily: the sky is blue
Me: Emily I totally agree with what you said. I like how you used the colour blue as a form of imagery to describe the sky that was such a powerful statement you said Emily.
Adapted from: @evilbart24
Have you ever been asked to complete an online discussion board? Sometimes they can feel like busy work, but they are an important part of the learning experience. Make sure you check with your professor for expectations before getting started.
