How to Write a Successful Discussion Board Post

You either love or hate them! Discussion boards are a common feature of online classes. While quite simple and an easy way to get an A, there are still students out there who struggle to write discussion board posts that are engaging and thought-provoking. 

If you are one of those students, worry no more. The process of writing a successful discussion board post is very easy. 

Although discussion board assignments can vary in expectation, the process of writing a good one remains the same. 

Here are some quick tips on how to write a successful discussion board post.

1. Don't go into it, blindly. 

In online classes, many students make the mistake of jumping straight into graded assignments without watching lecture videos or reading the assigned reading. This is a very negligent way to approach your studies, especially discussion board posts. 

Not only will it be obvious that you didn't engage with the study material, but it may express to your professor that you are just doing the bare minimum to get by and they may just grade accordingly. 

Again, discussion board assignments are an easy way to get an A, but they still require effort and a level of quality. Writing a discussion board post with hardly any knowledge of the study material should be avoided. 

Pro Tip: Take notes as you complete the weekly readings and watch lecture videos. Once it's time to write your post, you will have a nice guide to look over as you write. 

Related: 12 College School Supplies Every Online Student Needs 

2. Carefully read the prompt/question

Getting a feel for the prompt/question and your professor's expectations is so important before moving forward in a discussion board assignment. 

In the prompt, you may find the question, the required word count, a guide on what class material will be most useful in helping you write your final response, and/or whether or not your instructor requires works cited at the end of your post. 

Many professors also like for you to put your own unique spin on the assignment so having a clear understanding of what is being asked is very important. 

3. Organize your thoughts 

Sometimes it can be difficult to get started on a discussion board assignment. This can especially be the case if you are a neurodivergent learner or someone with perfectionistic tendencies. 

By simply writing down your thoughts and organizing them, you make it easier to structure your final post. Jot down whatever comes to mind pertaining to the topic — the more the merrier! 

2. Pre-type your response in Google Docs or Word

If you're familiar with Canvas, you know that the text editor can be a little buggy at times. Since this is the case, I highly recommend you type your post, using Google Docs or Word first and then copy and paste it into the text editor in Canvas. 

Technical issues will arise but this is one that you want to always avoid. Having to retype your post after accidentally erasing it can be very frustrating. This will, in turn, have a negative effect on the quality of your final response once it has been retyped. 

3. Include relevant information from weekly readings

In every discussion board assignment, you want to make sure you include relevant information from the weekly readings. This is why it is crucial that you complete all the assigned readings before moving forward with writing your post. 

You also want to avoid including information just for the sake of including it or because it sounds good. 

To write a successful discussion board post, you want to show that you actually gained something from the weekly lesson so engage with the information and be thoughtful. 

4. Cite your sources

Most of your discussion board posts should be in your own words, but again, you also want to include relevant information from the assigned reading to back your claims. All sources from the information should be cited both within your response and within a Works Cited list. 

Some instructors only require that you do this for research papers and other long-form writing assignments, but whether yours does or not, you should still cite your sources. 

By doing so, you show that you respect and honor the work of others, which is always a good look. 

5. Proofread before submitting your final post

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Although this may not be the case for most instructors, many check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in discussion board posts. Whether yours does or not, you still want to ensure that you proofread your final post before submitting it. 

Just because it is a discussion board assignment does not change the fact that it is a writing assignment. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and concise use of language are still important. 

And let's be honest, poor writing in a discussion post (or any writing assignment) can be very offputting. You should always strive to put your best foot forward when it comes to writing. 

6. Reply to a classmate who may have a different opinion than your own

Depending on the type of prompt provided, discussion boards in online classes can be very monotonous. This is the case because many students tend to only respond to those with an opinion or response similar to their own. 

Naturally, we are more inclined to gravitate toward familiarity, especially in discussion board assignments where the main goal is to get the post completed. 

To break up the monotony, go the extra mile and engage with a classmate who has a different response than your own. A lot of what is taught in college is based on theory so not everyone is going to interpret the information the same. 

Dialogue can be healthy as long as both parties are respectful.

Related: Pros and Cons of Online College Classes

Conclusion

In the end, writing a successful discussion board post is based on what you do before moving forward and completing the assignment. Once you understand what is expected and have done the assigned reading, you are well on your way to writing a post that is engaging, thoughtful, and well-written. 

By following these simple steps, you are sure to get an A every single time. Happy studying! 

Cover Photo Credit: by RODNAE Productions from Pexels