The Discussion Forums provide a haven for students and faculty to: Demonstrate understanding and application Cultivate

ivate a learning focused atmosphere Share experiences and examples Examine content areas with new perspectives Elevate and transform levels of comprehension

Participating in classroom discussion is paramount to the learning experience. Participating in the weekly discussions allows students and instructors to share experiences, investigate complicated subject matter, share expertise, and examine the content from new perspectives. Because of the value generated through responses to discussion questions, all DQ responses are subject to grammar and spelling review. *Please use grammar-check and spell-checking tools to ensure that you are not losing points as a result of a hurried contribution. Members of MGT 605 are required to provide a minimum of 6 substantive posts each week. These 6 minimum substantive posts will consist of 3 initial DQ responses and 3 peer responses. Students must post their initial response to the 1st discussion question by the end of Day 3 (Saturday), their initial response to the 2nd discussion question by the end of Day 4 (Sunday), and their initial response to the 3rd discussion question by the end of Day 5 (Monday) each week. Late initial DQ responses will be penalized by 50% regardless how many hours/days tardy. Next, students must post at least 3 peer responses each week prior to Wednesday evening, midnight, Arizona time. These peer responses will not be accepted after the deadline for any reason. For example: If you post a response to a Week 3 discussion question on Monday of Week 4, you will earn a zero. These 6 minimum substantive posts allow MGT 605 students to earn the minimum score (6.5/8 for initial DQ responses and 20.8/26 for peer responses). Responses that are not substantive will not earn any points. Consider these 5 elements to ensure that your posts are substantive: 1. Follow-up responses to classmates initial DQs that integrate course theories with a practical application of the subject, perhaps offering a personal observation or experience, or referencing real-world examples, current events, or presenting further research you have conducted on the topic

2. Interaction in classroom discussion that demonstrates deeper or broader thoughts about a topic, rather than just rephrasing what the textbook has presented on the topic. Use an outside source complete with an in-text citation and APA formatted reference to avoid plagiarism. It is important that we practice communicating in the manner most appropriate for the academic community. 3. Posts that encourage further discussion and ongoing dialogue with other students and/or the instructor in the class. 4. Asking additional, relevant questions about the weeks topic. 5. Communications that are presented in a professional and supportive manner, and with respectful tone. You must provide at least 4 of these 5 elements for your post to qualify as substantive. Do not simply pat a classmate on the back. Do not just agree with one of your peers. While these types of responses are bound to happen, they will not be credited as a substantive post. Maximum initial DQ response points and maximum participation points can only be earned by going above and beyond the minimum requirements. Incorporating outside sources (complete with in-text citations and APA formatted references) correctly, will help elevate students from passing scores to excellent scores. Students who only provide the minimum number of posts (6), without quality research and support for their ideas through quality outside sources, will remain in good standing with the University, but are unlikely to earn A grades. Finally, in MGT 605, you must respond with at least 2 of your 3 mandatory peer responses prior to Wednesday each week in order to potentially earn full points. Excellent students who earn A grades on participation will not procrastinate ;-) Have fun, Dr. C