Discussion Directions

Discussion Directions:

1. Everyone is responsible for making at least TWO posts for each assignment. One post MUST be a direct response to a question. The second post can be a direct response to a question OR a response to a peer's comment from a different question.

2. Responses must be thoughtful. While they don't necessarily have to be "right," you must show that you are reading and processing The Odyssey, working with it, making the information yours, and really thinking.

3. If you are responding to a peer's comment, keep it respectful. You are allowed to agree or disagree, but the the comment must be academic.

4. Some sentence starters for responding to peers:

a. ____, I agree when you say "___". Additionally, ___.

b. ____, it's interesting that you point out ___. I would though because ___.

c. ___ and ___ bring up great points because ____.

d. ___, I agree when you say ____. However, I disagree that ____ because ___. 

5. If someone comments on your post, you can reply back, but this will not count as a second response. Also, while it could be appropriate to bring in new evidence to justify your answer, please refrain from bickering or being worried about not being right. You're learning.

6. Every comment, whether a question response or a peer response, must be thorough and thoughtful to receive full credit. "I agree with Bob" is neither thorough nor thoughtful. You're adding no value to the conversation. Remember, these discussions are replacing your question sheets. Move discussions forward.

7. Even though you are only working with two questions directly, I do fully expect that you will be thinking about all of the questions. Moreover, you will be responsible for knowing all of the information related to these questions as well as the reading.

Though there is no sentence limit, your responses must be thorough and show that you are thinking and processing the information of The Odyssey.

Also, the minimum is two responses. You may respond to as many as you like as long as you are not dominating conversation. There's no extra credit for more responses, but isn't the learning process reward enough?

Each response will be worth 2.5 points for a total of 5 points/book. Full credit is not guaranteed.