In general discussions should be “low-stakes” formative assessments. They are places for students to try out ideas and learn from each other. 

Use a discussion topic to reinforce a course or module learning objective, build community, or promote peer-to-peer learning. There should be 3 parts to a discussion topic

1.) Context 
Begin with a couple sentences or a paragraph that connects the topic to course content, learning objectives, classroom activities or assessments. 

2.) Prompt or Essential Question
Pose the question or prompt you want your students to engage with. It sparks discussion or debate, and requires justification or support.

3.) Parameters 
Communicate your expectations, including word count, and engagement with peers’ threads and replies.

1.) In our readings this week we covered the concept of _____. We looked at some of the ways people in society talk about _______and how it affects them. One way in particular is __________.
2.) Describe the ways in which (the concept) makes you experience the world. What examples of (the concept) do you see in popular culture, news, or social media? 
3.) Create a new Thread by 11:59pm on the due date. Your initial thread must be at least ___ words; your replies, to at least _____ classmates, must be at least ___ words each. Replies to classmates must be substantive and refer to content in their thread. If applicable, provide references, textual quotations, and/or links to materials that reinforce your opinion or position on the topic.

Parameters to Avoid (depending on the learning objective):

• Formal citation and style 
• Peer reviewed sources
• Formal research methods

These requirements are generally more appropriate for summative assignments.