Discussion Responses
(AKA Discussion Questions)

Almost every class that is either completely online or else has an online component will require students to write discussion responses. These are quite short, and quite focused, commentaries on one of two things: the classroom reading for the week (or lecture, or film, or other material), or the comments of other classmates. The goal is to set up an on-going discussion among students that not only encourages them to think about what is being taught in the course, but also what their peers think about what is being taught.

Generally, students are required to post between three and five discussion responses per week, each one weighing in between 200 and 500 words, and each one using at least one outside source. The first discussion response (or two) will target the reading, and often answers a specific question posed by the professor (hence the slightly-misleading term “discussion question” which is used to refer to this particular assignment). The rest will target the responses of fellow students.

Some people find the use of posted discussion responses to be a rather cumbersome exercise. They feel that nothing could ever replace the excitement and rigor of a face-to-face conversation with a classroom of peers.

However, the reality is that when in-person dialogues are conducted, some people always opt out of the conversation, even when it isn't particularly confrontational or controversial. Some people are simply shy, or quiet by nature, or prefer to listen where others are always raising their hands. While a skilled professor will find a way to draw out such students in a manner that is not threatening to them, the reality is that they will most likely never willingly and gladly participate in such lively discussions. That is where the online discussion response model can really be a gift, for such students often have quite interesting things to say, and yet many people never get to hear them.

Regardless of one's personal preferences regarding discussion responses, the reality is that they have become an entrenched part of distance learning, to the extent that they are often graded quite heavily. Unfortunately, they can be very time-consuming, as learners must read everything his or her classmates have posted in addition to the class materials themselves, and then must post not one, but often up to five, responses in turn. Not all professional academic writing companies help with these assignments, as they are fast-paced and demanding. Turn to a company that specializes in online classes and distance learning of all types for help with your discussion questions (aka discussion questions). See how we can help now.

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Discussion Response Articles

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