How to Write a Strong Discussion Post
- What is a Discussion Post?
- Discussion posts are the primary way for students and professors to engage with course ideas in an online class.
- These posts allow you to express your understanding of course materials and interact with peers.
- Preparation Before Writing
- Complete the assigned readings before writing your post to ensure you’re well-prepared.
- Connect the course materials to your own life to create meaningful responses.
- Review previous instructor feedback to make sure you meet all expectations.
- Understand the Prompt
- Carefully read the discussion prompt to identify the key question or issue you need to address.
- Clarify the assignment’s specifics: word limit, due date, sources, response type (reflection, solution, comparison, argument), and formatting (APA or other).
- Understand how your post will be evaluated by reviewing your course’s grading rubric or asking your instructor.
- Crafting a Strong Argument
- Develop a clear and strong argument that responds directly to the discussion question.
- Support your ideas with evidence from course readings, research, and citations to back up your claims.
- Be concise and thorough in presenting your points, ensuring that your argument explores all aspects of the question.
- Be Relevant and Relatable
- Use personal or professional experiences where applicable to support your argument.
- Relate your ideas to real-world applications to make your response more relevant and engaging for peers.
- Ensure that all references are connected to the course material and supported by academic sources.
- Offer Unique Perspectives
- Add something unique to the conversation to encourage further discussion from classmates.
- Use topic sentences to organize your ideas and dive deeper into connections beyond the obvious.
- Challenge others by offering fresh perspectives that invite responses and thoughtful debate.
- Polish Your Post
- Write your response in a text editor (e.g., Word) to check for clarity, coherence, and completeness.
- Proofread your post for spelling, grammar, and punctuation before posting.
- Even though it’s a discussion post, ensure it’s polished and professional.
- Engage and Leave Room for Further Discussion
- Conclude your post in a way that leaves readers thinking and encourages them to respond.
- Pose open-ended questions or offer a point that invites further exploration or challenge.