Just a reminder that your first Discussion posts are due before 11:59 p.m. Saturday. To help get you on the right track, here are my Top 10 Discussion Tips. Well, okay it's actually a Top 12 list; I just like the sound of Top 10 better (thanks David Letterman).
12) Read the Discussion link! I cannot emphasize this enough.
11) Come up with creative titles for your posts. No one is eager to read a post entitled Discussion 1a.
10) Avoid plot summary. Presumably, we've all read the text and seen the film, so you don't need to tell us what happened. Use plot summary only when it is necessary to make a point.
9) Be opinionated. Don't be afraid to take a stand; controversy makes for good discussion, but (see next tip)
8) Be sure to back up your opinion with analysis and one or more of the 3 E's (examples/evidence/experts).
7) Write down notes to yourself about what you want to say when doing the assigned reading or watching the films. It's frustrating to forget a key point you wanted to make when it comes time to post. And it's even more frustrating to see it pop up later in someone else's post.
6) Don't try and make all your posts in one sitting.
5) Post early. Try to post at least once (wait for it) a day or two before the discussion is actually due.
4) Check the Discussion Board daily and read your classmates' posts. You'll learn a lot and you'll discover something that you want to respond to.
3) Advance the discussion when responding to someone else's post. Merely, saying you agree or disagree doesn't advance the discussion and doesn't earn you any points. Instead, try to further develop their point, take it in another direction, or argue against it.
2) Analysis and insight are what rack up the points for you.
And finally, my number one tip for doing well on discussion.
1) Devote the time and effort to the Discussion Board that 50% of your Final Grade deserves!
