The document provides guidance for students on creating an initial discussion post and peer response in an online class. It outlines that students should carefully read the assignment directions and rubric, gather research for their post, and engage with their peers by sharing new knowledge that helps others understand the coursework. It emphasizes the need to cite references in-text and in a reference list when discussing course concepts, research, statistics or quoting others. It also provides tips for using an appropriate academic tone without informal language and proper proofreading.

1. ANATOMY OF AN INITIAL
DISCUSSION POST AND PEER
RESPONSE
BY DR. STEWART

2. ASSIGNMENT DIRECTIONS AND RUBRIC
• Complete the reading assignment
• Read the assignment directions and rubric carefully
• Gather your research

3. ONLINE ENGAGEMENT
• You are part of a learning community
• You are also a teacher
• Your contribution may help your peers understand the coursework
• Your contribution should include new knowledge and information

4. REFERENCE LIST AND IN-TEXT CITATION
• When discussing coursework terminology and concepts, a reference and in-text
citation is needed
• When adding historical information, research, and statistics, a reference and in-text
citation is needed
• When quoting the ideas and opinions of others, a reference and in-text citation is
needed
• A reference list is a collection of information that lets your readers know where
to find your sources.
• An in-text citation informs the reader what information is being used from other
sources

5. ACADEMIC TONE
• Professional and industry specific language are required
• Avoid contractions
• Avoid idioms and slang
• Avoid texting type language
• Do not use the lower case I for the pronoun I
• Proofread

6. WHAT IS SUBSTANTIAL CONTENT
• A strong paragraph or more with in-text citation and reference
list
• The content contains more than personal opinion and ideas
• There is a link to the coursework with coursework terminology
and concepts
• The post and peer response have new knowledge and
information that is properly cited

7. SUCCESS!!!