Discussion purpose and structure

• Each unit will include a set of Questions for Discussion and Homework, each student will be expected to submit an answer using information from the textbook and class discussion, and from on-line and printed sources.
• The questions will be introduced on Brightspace; the discussion will take place in Brightspace.
• Each student will be assigned to a group of 5 to 7 students, each group will discuss the week's questions.
• Discussions will begin on Sunday and conclude on the following Saturday.
• The number of active threads each week should be limited to three or four (try not to create multiple threads in your group on the same theme).
  • If you are posting something that relates to an existing thread, you should use the reply button within that thread.
  • You can add a new idea or redirect an existing thread by asking a question.
• Each student will complete a written summation of their response to the question and submit it for a grade as homework.

Posting Requirements

• You are expected to participate in the discussion by posting on at least three different days during the discussion phase. More than three posts and posting on more than three days are preferred and will improve your grade.
• Your posting should add materially to the discussion by:
  • Briefly describing a relevant story/article/web site and explaining how it relates to the question. (Be sure to include a link or other reference so the group can view the source material.)
  • Commenting on something someone else has posted. (Be polite and respectful, but don't avoid criticism.)
• Support what you say!
  • Explain (briefly) how you developed your conclusion
  • Share your source(s) - textbook, website, lecture notes, etc.
• Be Clear: Say what you mean!!!
• Explain how an article or web site relates to the concepts being discussed. Does it make sense with respect to what you have learned and read elsewhere? What is its purpose and point of view? What are its assumptions?
• Critical Thinking Resources
  • Foundation for Critical Thinking

GRADING

Discussion (total = 10 pts.)

• posts/replies on at least three different days are required per week
• posts should be: relevant to the discussion, add new material, and display insight
• The fine line...