Discussion Board Guidelines
Discussion Forum Assignments – (300 points /50 pts. each)
There will be one weekly discussion totaling 6 for this course. The discussion will be listed in the respective weeks’ module and will relate to the week’s readings, videos, assigned materials and research. You need to submit your completed Original Response in each of the posted discussions weekly by Thursday 11:59 PM so that you and your colleagues will be able to share and learn from each other’s experiences.
Original Responses are based on research. Discuss the topic/questions by researching the issue outside of the text, using health care journals, books, news casts, personal experience, etc. The original response for the discussion will demonstrate an advanced understanding of the subject content and is presented in an insightful manner, demonstrating excellent use of critical thinking skills, applying theory and terminology. The discussion post will include citations/references, organization of content, and formatting that may include images, graphs, tables, etc. APA format is required for all discussion posts. Please note that a minimum of 2 citations/references are required for the original post. One of which may be from the readings/text and one from an outside resource. All written discussion posts should be well organized, demonstrating excellent transitions from point to point with rare spelling or grammatical errors.
Please note: Your initial discussion post must demonstrate knowledge of the weekly course competencies as outlined in the top two rows of the discussion rubric. Initial discussion posts submitted after Thursday at 11:59pm will not count towards your grade but peer responses submitted by Saturday at 11:59pm are still eligible. Peer responses can earn a maximum of 60% (or full points in the bottom three rubric rows).
After posting your original post you will respond to your peer’s post using evidence-based/research information to support your response. Peer responses will encourage the participation of others. Peer responses will demonstrate excellent preparation of the subject matter and contribute significantly to the discussion with pertinent information. Please note one or two sentences do not constitute a response. A minimum of one reference/citation is required for each response. Responses that lack citations/references will not be accepted.
By posting according to the above standards, you allow the professor to assess your critical thinking skills in formulating your responses.
Grading:
Original Responses to the discussions are due by 11:59 PM on Thursday following the above directions and meeting competencies and all the criteria in the rubric.
Peer responses are due by 11:59 PM on Saturday of each week. Following the above direction and meeting competencies and all the criteria in the rubric.
- Exemplary = More than 3 peer responses
- Mastery = 3 peer responses
- Proficiency = 2 peer responses
- Emerging = 1 peer responses
- Does not meet Expectation = No responses
Please note: Everyone should be reading all posts and engage in the discussion to enrich our learning on the subject.
