GRADED DISCUSSIONS
Discussion must be graded, or the student might not respond. Motivated students always seem to participate; however, there are lazy students, who do the minimum, or none at all. The discussions should be in the syllabus, with a percentage allotted to online threads
Discussion posts should be at least four sentences to qualify as a legitimate post. Any responses to classmates must also contain depth of content, in order to included as a full response.
Kelly,
Great post! I give an example of a discussion string with good posts and bad posts so they can see how to post original posts and replies.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree with you Nancy. If they are not graded, the unmotivated will say "what is the point if this isn't even graded?" Four sentences is a good amount for the minimum in a post. I like what you said about the responses needing depth of content- rather than just writing "yes that is a good point" or "I agree." In our LMS, we even have a "word count" that we can refer to along with reading their postings.
Louise,
You make a great point; you have to control the student tangent. That should be graded also! Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree that discussion threads need to have a minimum in the primary post to be considered a legitimate response. I further agree that the reply must be substantial. I clearly state in my grading rubric (and in my chats) that simply stating "I agree" "Good job" or "I don't understand" is not sufficient and will not be considered responsive.
I have set minimum word lengths on responses - and I need to be careful as I often have students going off on a tangent. I redirect them to the question at hand and remind all students that the purpose of discussion forums is to share knowledge. I feel that it is important to push the conversation and I will often pose questions that will challenge student thoughts in response to their posts.
Nancy, who would even think to not add a value to discussions postings? Discussions are a great way to find out if the student understands the material and lesson. By adding a value, you are assured that the student will participate in the discussion and the student is rewarded for his/her participation. The syllabus should state the requirements for discussion postings. "You are right" and "I agree" are never acceptable as a reply. If the students are required to make detailed postings and they are graded accordingly, when the posting is not adequate, the grade should reflect such. This will cause the student to improve on his/her future postings. Motivated students actually 'overparticipate'. If the requirement is an initial postings and two replies to peers, the motivated student will likely do three replies. By placing a value on the posting and if the student decides not to post, the student will see his/her grade diminishing.
Karen,
I actually create assignments where students must lead the discussion. Everyone take a turn. It is amazing how all will participate when they have to be the leader.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nancy,
I think this is a universal challenge, how do we get all the students to participate. I have worked at schools that give credit and those that have not, and regardless there will always be the students who refuse to participate. In one school, non-participation can actually lead to a failing grade and even reminding students of this is not enough to get them involved.
I would love to hear how others are getting students to participate on a regular basis.
Thanks for your insights (in advance).
Karen "kam" Maiorano
Hi Nancy
My students have to reply to two discussions per week. I started deducting points for lack of substance in their answers and for grammar and spelling errors. I encourage them to write so that the reader can understand what they are saying in their post. They cannot write as if they are texting. I remind them that proper grammar and spelling is important when they apply for a job. If they do not follow the policy, and reply with “I agree†and offer nothing else, they do not get credit. Because I deduct points for these errors, they are more aware of what is expected. This makes grading the discussion easier.
Vivian Washington
Dawn,
Agreed! You have to model good discussions as well as show them examples of good and bad. I remind students to go back and look at the examples from time to time.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree with this. I sometimes find students are defensive when I do not give them full credit. OFten they will just respond with a sentence here and there and there is not much depth. I try to model good discussion posts but of course that takes time and can only post to a few students if there is a large class.
Carla,
That is a great solution for real time communication. Chat does give that f2f feel.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Couldn't agree more! Discussions should be a valuable part of the grade a student receives. Perhaps combining the Chat with the Discussion is a solution.
Nancy,
You are correct! Do you model good discussion threads?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
