Moving the Needle - Discussion Prompts and Course Policies

Purpose:

As you have experienced either as a student, instructor, or have read within this module, a good discussion prompt requires more than a few content questions. An inclusive and equitable discussion prompt or discussion policy can create a space for students to effectively demonstrate knowledge. The purpose of this assignment is to use what we've learned in this module to consider what areas of your course could be improved to provide a more engaging, transparent, and/or more inclusive discussion board. 

Task:

You can choose to examine either a discussion prompt, discussion board course policies, expectations etc. Complete the following steps:

1. List the original DB prompt/course policy
2. In a few sentences discuss what areas you wish to change and why
3. Describe what you hope becomes of the changes in your prompt or policy

Criteria:

You will know you've successfully completed this activity when have submitted the three steps above. 

Example:

Currently in one of my discussions, where I have gotten less than stellar participation, my prompt states:

"Why was Richard III considered an evil king?"

My initial goal here was to get students to combine knowledge gained through their reading and lecture to develop their thoughts and to provide a thorough analysis of his behavior. However, this question doesn't quite prompt students into that. Too often I receive very simplistic answers that mimic their peers. 

New prompt:

Imagine your were part of King Richard's advisory group. Select a specific event during his reign and knowing his documented behavior, what advice would you give him?

My hope with this new prompt is that students will engage in more of a divergent approach to thinking. By giving them choice they can also select a variety of events in King Richards' life so as to create more diversity in responses in the discussion board. This should prompt more engaged responses from my students as there are much richer possibilities to answer the prompt and a more interesting experience for myself as I grade their participation.