Graduate Programs Discussion Boards

Discussion Boards (DB) are a key component of online learnin g. They foster active participation of learners and dialog with fellow learners and instructors. Graduate-level courses require learners to create original posts to course DBs and to engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the course. Original posts and responses should be substantive, and if references are made to the works of others, APA guidelines for in-text citations and references apply.

Minimum Weekly DB Expectations

Post an original and thoughtful Main Post to the DB prompt.

Respond to at least 2 other posts from learners and/or the instructor (Response Posts).

The first contribution (Main Post or Response Post) must be posted before midnight (Central time) on Friday of each week.

Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week.

For DB assignment prompts with a Part One and Part Two, Part One should be addressed in the first week of the unit with a Main Post and minimum of 2 Response Posts, and Part Two should be addressed in the second week of the unit with a Main Post and a minimum of 2 Response Posts.

• More on DBs 

At the end of each unit, DB participation is assessed based on level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion. DBs allow learners to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB are accepted after the end of the unit. Learners must demonstrate an appropriate depth of understanding of course content to receive credit for having submitted substantive posts. Typically, this is achieved with 3–4 strong paragraphs for Main Posts and 2–3 strong paragraphs for Response Posts.

• Assignment Details

Part 1

• Select an industry of interest (K–12, higher education, military, corporate training, and so on). 

Select a specific organization to critique from the selected industry.

• Use the Library or Internet to research, or share a personal experience of the selected training or educational organization.
• Choose incidents, reports, or a case study revelation of the hiring, termination, compensation, or professional development practices of the selected organization for your critique.

Critique the organization’s policies and/or practice based on the information presented in your readings, experience, and personal research.

Focus on summarizing the current regulations (e.g., Equal Employment Opportunity [EEO] laws and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] regulations, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], minimum wage, Family and Medical and Leave Act [FMLA], and so on), how they affect decisions in the area, and what ultimate mandates they require a training department/organization to address.

Part 2

Based on the findings and critique you shared from Part 1, develop a recommendation plan for the organization regarding best compliance practices.

Support your assertions with appropriate scholarly research.

Include personal experiences that support your recommendations.

In your own words, post a substantive response to the Discussion Board question(s) and comment on other postings. Your response should address the DB question(s) and move the conversation forward. You will be graded on the quality of your postings, including mastery of the concept as well as critical thinking. If asked for your opinion, do not simply state that it is a good or bad idea; elaborate on your reasons and argument. Include enough detail to substantiate your thinking as well as your position on the questions or comments.

Scoring Rubric

• Your assignment will be graded in accordance with the following criteria: Grading Rubric.
• For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.