Consult your Discussion Board Forum to see the topics which you will address in your thread and replies. Discussion Board Forums were designed for the following 3 reasons: (1) to provide a platform

Consult your Discussion Board Forum to see the topics which you will address in your thread and replies.

Discussion Board Forums were designed for the following 3 reasons: 

(1) to provide a platform for peer interaction,

(2) to prompt research and reflection on biblical texts, and 

(3) to encourage timely responses and interaction. 

The specific guidelines are spelled out below. Let your instructor know if you have any questions after reading the following instructions.

OVERALL DISCUSSION BOARD GUIDELINES

First of all, let the obvious be stated: the purpose of the Discussion Board is to provide each student with a forum in which to interact on a scholarly level with other members of the course. It is a way of creating a virtual classroom experience. Note the following guidelines as you prepare and compose your forum threads and replies:

1. Do some research in preparation for your thread (your response to the provided forum topic). You will need to study any Bible passage(s) under consideration in order to be reasonably sure of the verse’s or verses’ teaching (per above instructions). You must also plan to utilize the pertinent information in the course texts. Refer to the "Course Policies" in the course syllabus for the formatting expectations in this course.2. As you compose your thread (your original response to the provided forum topic/prompt), aim for a good topical paragraph for each component of the prompt for a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 300 words. The original thread must be at least 250 words. You must demonstrate an excellent grasp of English grammar and critical thought. Your essay must be cohesive, coherent, and concise.  3. Reply to 2 class members’ threads. Your replies must be considerate and thoughtful. Be constructively critical when appropriate. That is to say, you must not simply try to tear down another’s viewpoint, but offer constructive, encouraging criticism whenever there is disagreement. On the other hand, your reply must be more than a simple “Great post” or “I totally agree;” etc. Your replies must also demonstrate excellent grammar and critical thought as well as significantly contribute to the discussion. Each reply must contain 75-100 words.