Ask yourself, What do I already know about this topic?

Do’s: Discussions usually have specific guidelines for posts. Most require you to use college English and write in complete sentences. This chapter from CNM’s grammar OER covers appropriate language. Essentially, you should avoid text language, capitalize “I”, and check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation before submitting your posts. Sometimes there are specific questions and a certain number of sentences required, so read the instructions closely. Avoid short posts, such as “I agree” because it is too general and doesn’t encourage ongoing discussion; instead, explain what you agree with and why. Often, there is a reading that needs to be completed before you post. Make sure you read the required text before posting instead of just “winging it” because your classmates and teacher can tell. Don’ts: Avoid copying and pasting your own post to respond to several of your classmates. Your instructor, who will be viewing and grading your posts, can tell that your posts are identical and is unlikely to give you full credit for identical posts. Second, avoid copying and pasting your classmates’ posts to present as your own. There is a timestamp on your posts in an online classroom, and your instructor will have physical evidence of who posted a response first. Also, your classmates and instructor will notice your copied post, and you will be guilty of plagiarism. Last, do not post unrelated ideas; for example, if you are asked about the main idea of a text you read, make sure to read the text, and respond by giving what you think is the main idea, not by posting that you liked the text because of a personal experience you had. It isn’t wrong to include personal content, but be sure to answer the instructor’s questions first to earn full credit.