Activity
These activities are designed to help you consolidate some of the concepts introduced
in this lesson. They are essential components of facilitating an online discussion. If you
are taking the course for credit, they may be required.
PLANNING A DISCUSSION
Your activity for this lesson is to lead your group in a discussion for a two week
period. Post a note similar to the paragraph below labeled "Discussion Starter
Message."
Save all discussion messages, and at the end of the two week period post your
assessment regarding the level of participation, a summary of issues discussed, and a
final analysis of what worked or didn't work regarding the discussion exercise.
Keep in mind it is ultimately out of your control whether your mentees properly
participate. What you can control is properly setting the expectations by providing a
timeline, posting a clear purpose for the discussion, and providing a means of
feedback after the discussion.
DISCUSSION STARTER MESSAGE
Your discussion starter message might look something like this:
For the next two weeks I'd like each of you to participate in a discussion on (your
topic.) You're each asked to read all listserv messages and to post a thoughtful
contribution to the discussion no less than twice a week, with no limit on the number
of contributions. This discussion will start today with this posting and will end (give
date,) after which I will post a final summary message.
|