Module 2: Instructor Note #1: Module Disccussions

I thought we should reflect on what we have accomplished in the 1^st posting period for Module 2 discussions to help us to improve our learning experiences.  I hope you find them useful.

• Module 2 Discussions: 1^st Posting Period

o   What we did right:

§  Responded to the required discussion question in the first posting period in a timely fashion.

§  I saw many thorough and comprehensive responses with relevant and strong references support.

§  Some of you started respond to other students' postings. It is a great way to engage us in more learner-learner interaction.

§  It is great to see many of you respond to our optional question, bibliometric analysis.  That is great that you shared your experiences with the class. Those haven't so.  Give it a try.  It is very helpful to gain better understanding of your research topics and journals.

o   What should I do in the 2^nd posting period

§  ONE or more postings for the 2^nd posting period: Respond to others' postings. More are always encouraged.

§  Total 2 postings at least.

§  If you have started responding to others' postings in the 1^st posting period, continue your great work in the 2^nd posting period.

§  As a courtesy, don't forget to respond to the questions raised by the classmates, and the instructor to your postings.  Frequently, I ask further questions to your postings.

o   What we can improve:

§  More thorough posting.  Some of our postings were not thorough enough, not well justified.  I am looking forward to further improvement.

§  Remember to "Reply" to the specific posting rather than initiating a new thread for our postings/responses.

• Update the "Subject" field to reflect our posting; therefore, our subject field represents a title of our postings rather than read like "M2-Journal Choice" or "RE: M2-Journal Choice"  See the instructor's postings for the examples.
• Q & A
• Q: What is the length requirement for the discussion posts? Bullet points acceptable?
• A: There is no specific length requirement. Address each question thoroughly.  Be thorough is the key.  It is not in paper length.  One paragraph probably is hard to address the question and justify our arguments etc.   Thorough responses and arguments should be justified. I am sure we have many reflections, observations and examinations that we could share with the class.  Bulletin points are fine but be thorough and comprehensive.
• Q: Do I need to respond to all "Follow-Up" questions by the instructor?
• A: Not required. If you have any reflections and ideas on the "Follow-Up" questions, please do share with us.  Don't hold it back.
• Q: Can I follow up on my own responses to the key discussion questions?
• A: Yes. If you feel your first attempt to answer the discussion question is not thorough, you are encouraged to post follow-up postings to demonstrate your understanding on the discussion topics.