Discussion Instructions

Discussions are one of the most common assignments performed in the online learning
environment. In these instructions, we will define three key elements for performing a discussion;
Initial Posts, Reply Posts, and Summary Posts. Lastly, you will be given tools to assist in creating a
healthy writing voice that promotes conversations and builds on knowledge.
Instructions for: Initial Post
Initial Post is also referred to as starting a thread.

Initial Post is the first post you make to start your threaded discussion.

Choosing a classmates discussion is an important process.

Common Initial Posts can be an answer to a question posed in the instructions, a place you
share your assignment, or a special topic discussion.
Follow your instructors specific instructions to clearly understand the expectations of each
discussion.
A thread is yours and will be the discussion that measures your grasp of the lesson objective.
You are always expected to reply to your classmates as they post comments or questions in
your thread. These posts tend to be short and are not counted in the minimum post
requirements.
After you have written your post, be sure to add questions or requests of your classmates.
This ensures that the discussion carries knowledge in the direction needed to complete your
lesson objective.
Initial Posts are usually assessed based on 3 criteria; Critical Thinking and Application,
Mechanics, and Timeliness of post.
Tips of successful Initial Posting:
o Post early- An assigned due date is common, but waiting to the last minute will often
delay the classmates responses.
o Leaving your thread with a quick comment regarding when you will return is useful if
you have a tight schedule and want others to reply quickly.
o Your instructor has the ability to allow editing in your post. If you feel that you have
posted content you are not wanting to submit, you may either edit your post or
contact your instructor to enable the editing privilege. Caution: making edit
changes to the initial post will change the date you submit your work which makes it
appear as if your work is late. You will need to notify your instructor if this happens.
o Refer to your Lesson Objective frequently in your writing.
Instructions for: Reply Post
Reply Posts are of equal value to initial posts and are written to be effective and substantial
in order to meet lesson objectives.
A Reply Post can be called many things; Reply, Comment, or a Response. They all mean that
you have read your classmates initial thread and are ready to take the discussion deeper or
carry it along in a meaningful direction.
Instructors will be specific to how many classmates they wish you to follow during the
discussion.
o
o

You will first want to choose a classmate that has the least amount following. This
ensures that everyone is included in a discussion.
Second you will follow classmate based on a topic that allows you to gain the most
from the lesson objective.

A typical reply post is to be no less than 100-200 word count.

A reply post that simply says; I agree or similar is considered Text Talk and does not count
as a required post.

It is common to share images, videos, dedicated website, and your own created works such
as assessments, case-notes (all client identifying information is to be replaced, deleted, or
covered), and literary content.

Instructors will provide you with a course calendar for accurate posting dates. Follow these
dates and make sure to comment when you can return to the thread if you have a tight
schedule.

Make sure you return to your own thread to monitor the discussion and answer questions
from your classmates. These posts are generally not counted in the post requirement but are
crucial to discussion etiquette and learning.

Instructions for : Summary Post

A Summary Post made at the bottom of your thread on the last day of the discussion is a
great way to reconnect your learning with the lesson objectives.

When you write your Summary Post, you will title it Summary, Be concise in reconnecting
your learning to the lesson objectives. You will use information from your own thread and
those you followed. If you find that you are having difficulty meeting the learning objectives,
you may need to consult your instructor and/or visit more classmates threads.

Follow the course calendar and course rubric specifically in order to meet the requirements
of timing, length, grammar, and content.

Methods for an excellent discourse community.

Social workers become skilled in writing substantial posts over time and practice. This skill directly
translates to competencies specific to micro-level and macro-level practice. Context that shape
practice specific to Engagement, Assessment, Intervention, and Evaluation. When you have any
concern as to the content, length, or methods of posting, ask your instructor if they may review your
work before you post it.
Confidentiality
All discussions are to remain confidential. This respected mandatory standard is a two pronged
request which includes information your classmates disclose about themselves and information
shared from the clients with which we serve. Your class will continually and closely guard all
information that may identify a person. You must remove names and any information that may
direct an instructor or classmate to the identity of a client. You and the instructor both are
responsible for respectfully pointing out any error in confidentiality in the discussion room so that it
may be edited quickly.
Late/Make-up Work
Since the learning in a discussion directly comes from processing issues with your classmates, it is
very difficult to make up work or post outside the timing of the current week. You will need to stay
in pace with the class and if you foresee any timing conflicts let your instructor know immediately
before the discussion begins.
Netiquette
Please use the following link to review common and appropriate voice, language, and
communication standards.
Writing Guides
Substantial Initial Posts:
To write a substantial initial post you will need to gather your lesson objective(s), key concepts and
principles from reading, and content collections in the module.
P = Principle
explain principles and key points from readings.
E = Evidence
support main points with facts and details
E = Examples
give examples and share insights
R = Recap
summarize and recommend outcomes or next steps in further
Understanding
Substantial Post Example:
Chapter 1 covered principles about academic writing, which is also known as scholastic
writing because of the stringent requirements for using research effectively and writing in
the correct style. For example, in the field of social work, writers must use the American
Psychological Association (APA) citation style. Also when referring to an author, use the
authors last name. Never refer to an author by only his or her first name.
Not a Substantial Post Example:

I liked reading the chapter about academic writing because I learned a lot about how to
write a paper, which can really be hard at times. Academic writing is important because
thats the kind of writing that is expected in our classes, but Ive never been really good at
writing papers but now I feel more confident.
Effective Reply posts:
As you respond to your classmates, validate points that resonate with your own experience. Add
new information to extend the readers knowledge, and share how you are applying what you are
learning.
S = Support support teammates by making thoughtful postings
A = Apply apply key points and explain your results
V = Validate validate points by sharing your own experiences
E = Extend extend learning by including new information that adds value.
R = Respect respect others and the learning environment: learn what is expected, follow best
practices, and do the work on time.
*Information adapted from: Young, Dona J. The Writer's Handbook: a guide for social workers. p xvii-xix.

You may also have additional knowledge that you should add to the thread. Adding trusted web
links and journal articles is appropriate. Then develop your response using one or more RENNS
element. Tell a story, describe a situation, provide some authoritative support (names) or statistics,
etc.
o R = Reasons
o

E = Examples (stories personal or profession, that happened to you or someone else)

N = Names (known experts on the subject)

N = Numbers (Statistics/Knowledge Statements)

o S = Senses (description that sharpens the focus of the discussion and or deepens
the dialogue)

Contract Agreement

I have read the instructions for discussion assignments and understand key
components to effectively writing and participating.
____Andrew Brazzale____________________________________
Signature

________________
Date 8/25/2015

I will respectively communicate with my instructor and/or classmate any breech in

confidentiality so the error can be corrected quickly.
_______Andrew Brazzale_________________________________
_________________
Signature
Date 8/25/2015

I have the Netiquette Resource and have/will review the contents before my first
course discussion.
_______Andrew Brazzale_________________________________
_________________
Signature
Date 8/25/2015