1. Discussion Expectations
Cindy Barnes
Grand Canyon University: SED 455
January 1, 2017

2. MY PHILOSOPHY & EXPECTATIONS ON THE DISCUSSION FORUM
In order to have fun, interesting and scholarly discussions we have to move past posting our minimum requirements.
This will only happen if everybody is making a statement with qualified support.
From my experience educators like to talk. As someone entering this profession I highly recommend you start getting in the habit of communicating, using educational terms and resources to support your claims.

3. TO AGREE OR NOT AGREE THAT IS THE QUESTION?
Finding something positive in each post will help you to maintain a positive and civil tone.  It will affirm your peer's effort and work. 
Finding something you disagree with or that needs to be clarified will help to challenge everybody's thinking.  It does no good for us to simply agree with everything. 
Nobody gets better in that scenario, we won’t be able to build our toolbox and it is not critical thinking! 
Focusing on reasons will help you remain objective and hone your critical thinking skills.
Finally, by referencing our reading materials everyone will be able to learn something that we may have missed. 

4. GRADING
In terms of grading, I want to remind you that the discussion forums make up almost 30% of your total grade. Not only that, but they are the easiest points you are going to get in this class.
So make sure you are getting those points! To do this make sure you are posting your 2 initial DQ answers by the due date with a text or outside RESOURCE/CITATION.
I expect a minimum of 10 substantive posts by the end of the week.

5. PARTICIPATION GRADING
20 points= full participation or 10 substantive posts by the end of the week with a sited source.
19 points = posted and met most of the days/posts 8-9 substantive posts by the end of the week.
18 points= posted to all of the DQs, but did not meet the GCU participation expectations 6-7 substantive posts by the end of the week.
10 points = posted to most of the DQs and posted to some peers' posts 4-5 substantive posts by the end of the week.
5 points= did not post to DQs and/or did not meet the GCU participation expectations 1-3 substantive posts by the end of the week.
0 points= Did not see any discussion posts in the forum 0 substantive posts by the end of the week.

6. INITIAL DQ POST GRADING
I want see that you researched the DQ questions. How do you expect to build your toolbox when you are only referencing one area?
I encourage you to review our textbook, websites or scholarly journals to widen your expertise.
Even if the DQ ask your opinion I think it’s important to find out what the experts have to say as the world of education has a great deal of research on several issues
Initial DQ posts are worth 5 points. If I do not see a reference to support your claim you will lose 1 point (4/5).

7. GRADING FOR CAT’s
Although there are no points associated with any of the CATs you will lose 2 participation points if you do not participate in the CAT.
As an example if you had 8 total posts for the week you will receive 19 points. If you did not participate in the CAT, I will take away two more points giving 17 points for the week.
I advise students to use their word processing application to avoid losing valuable posts. I also like to use the “Save as Draft” feature to further review my post prior to submitting in the forum. This feature allows you to make corrections prior to posting.
You will see CATs each week as a formative assessment which consists of approaches designed to obtain feedback about what, how well, and how much you have learned. This feedback helps me adapt teaching to ensure that learning takes place.

8. AGREE! DISAGREE! REASONS! CITE SOURCES!
Alrighty then... "Agree! Disagree! Reasons! Readings!“
Say it with me... "Agree! Disagree! Reasons! Readings!"
One more time... "Agree! Disagree! Reasons! Readings!"
Now get out there and post away...or let me know what questions you have about my discussion expectations.
Thanks,
Cindy

9. QUESTIONS?
Questions for Instructor (QFI) – I check daily Under Tasks you will find Forums.  On the Forums be sure to click on All and you will see Questions for Instructor towards the end of the list.  Should anyone have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to post in this forum and feel free to post a new message at any time.  It is helpful if you title your message with the nature of the question. 
Individual Forum –I check daily Same as QFI you will also see Individual Forum. This forum should be used for private individual communication.
 Please or call me or I love to talk call me on my (cell) or (home) any time. I am available all day and everyday for you.