discussion board

DISCUSSIONASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

During this course, you will participate in 6 gradedDiscussions. Discussions give you an opportunity to reflect upon, process, and elaborate on the Learn material. Each discussion will be completed in 2 parts: a thread addressing the instructor’s prompt (at least 400 words) and at least 2 replies (at least 250 words each) to your classmates’ threads; however, you are encouraged to post further replies with your peers.

Each thread must contain at least 2 peer-reviewed references and 1 Scripture reference andmust be at least400 words. Current APA format is required for citations, and a reference list in current APA format is required at the conclusion of each thread. You must also use proper grammar as outlined in the APA manual.

Each reply must be substantive and at least 250words and must contain at least 1 reference to the course material in current APA format. Remember to encourage your peers critically, but you must also be polite and courteous. Additionally, be sure to respond to any questions that your classmates may pose in response to your thread. Any responses to questions your classmates may post will count toward the 2-reply minimum.

Note that responses such as “I like what you said,” “That is a good comment,” and “I disagree with your comment” do not count as complete replies in and of themselves. Instead, stating why you liked or disliked a peer’s thread, presentingadditional thoughts or ideas, and providing alternative ideas/thoughts when you disagree all count as complete replies.

Courtesy in any disagreement is expected; see the Student Expectations, located in the Course Overview, for more information on proper online etiquette.

One of the goals of the Discussions is to encourage student community learning; therefore, not every Discussion thread will have a comment from the instructor. Rather, the instructor will respond to a few posts in a way that adds to the conversation, asks a pertinent question, or summarizes some of the key points made by yourself or a classmate. Note that deadlines and other guidelines are meant to encourage optimal dialogue and demonstration of critical thought.