Discussion+Forum+Guidelines


 * Discussion Forum Guidelines**
 * 1) Do more than state agreement or disagreement. Justify and support your opinion. The most persuasive opinions are supported by evidence, examples, reasons, and facts. If you disagree with something, say why.
 * 2) Do the appropriate preparation, such as reading and class activity work, before you join the discussion.
 * 3) Keep your comments fairly brief. A paragraph or two is plenty unless you are posting something that by nature has to be longer--a short story, for example.
 * 4) Check your message before you send it. Pay attention to your spelling and grammar, and be sure your message makes the points you want to make in a clear and concise way. Remember, other students and instructors can read your messages.
 * 5) Help move the discussion along. When contributing to a discussion, read other people's comments first. Introduce new ideas, but also build on what others have said ("Piggy-back" on other people's ideas).
 * 6) Keep up with the discussion throughout the course. After you have made your contribution on a topic, check back a few times to find out how the discussion is evolving. Does someone's comment make you think twice about your view?
 * 7) Share your experience with your fellow students. You may be able to offer advice to someone who is newer to the course.
 * 8) Respect others' ideas and opinions. Feel free to disagree, but express your disagreement in a respectful manner.
 * 9) Be positive when offering advice. If one of your fellow students posts something to be edited or asks for your opinion on a piece of writing, be encouraging with your comments. If you see weaknesses in someone's writing or ideas, focus on describing the strengths to keep up and the opportunities for improvement. Put yourself in the shoes of the other people in the conference discussions.
 * 10) Be gracious when receiving advice. When you post your work, you are hoping that other people will tell you what you have done well and suggest useful ideas about how to do even better. When others are critical, assume that they are trying to provide a critique, not criticism in the negative sense. Even if they don't seem diplomatic, be gracious in response.