Setting Guidelines for Discussion

In order to meet the learning goals you have established, it is crucial to communicate your expectations for students' participation in an online discussion. Most instructors find that they must build the discussions into their course design from the ground up, and make these discussions a graded component of the class, if discussion is to be fruitful.

Online participation guidelines should include the following:

• Structure: Define the timeframe for the discussion with specific start and end dates. A timeframe of 2 days to approximately a week works well as it allows ample time for all students to get involved without the discussion petering out. You may want to write a closing comment or summary statement to formally end the discussion.
• Quality: Indicate the level of quality that you expect in the discussion comments and provide two or three criteria on which you will base the participation grade.
• Generally, discussion posts should:
  
  • Recognize the contributions of other participants and relate to what has been posted already.
  • Provide comments or additional information on the subject by referencing class readings or other course materials.
  • Reveal a solid understanding of the topic as evidenced by thoughtful responses and/or questions.

  You may want to define the length of posts as well, since a series of lengthy posts can feel like a series of mini-lectures, rather than a true give-and-take of ideas.

• Frequency: How often should students be contributing to the discussion, or what is the minimum number of posts expected from each student?
• Amount of instructor involvement: This can range from no involvement at all, occasional commentary to responding to the majority of posts. Refer to sample Participation Guidelines.
• Grading: Define your grading rubric, including assessment of online participation. Unless you indicate that online participation is a significant graded component of the course, students will probably not be compelled to participate. Refer to sample Participation Grade Rubric.