Write like an Academic

Writing for online discussion forums

Part A:
Examine the following Primary and Secondary online discussion post responses. Identify the elements that are necessary
when making these two types of posts. Use the chart on the last page of this handout to help you.

Topic: In our recent study of learning styles, we learned the importance of locating helpful resources that address our
learning preferences to assist with understanding. Using class materials or open web credible resources, discuss a
reading strategy that appeals to you the most. Discuss its perceived weaknesses and strengths.
Primary Response:
During last weeks discussion on learning styles, I learned that I am a visual learner
(Tyler, 2013). While I already knew that I like to see what I am learning, it was good to have my
own thoughts supported through this lesson.
The reading strategy that appealed to me the most was the suggestion in our reading to use
the closed caption function whenever I am watching a movie or TV. I started using this earlier in
the term and I think it has a lot of strengths. There are a couple of minor problems such as the
placement of the captions during sports games, for example, but it is easy to turn off. I dont
give the disadvantages much thought. In addition, the advantages really outweigh any problems. By
using the closed caption function on my TV, my eyes naturally follow the words, just as Bass
suggested (2013). This makes it difficult to avoid. But, I also like the fact that this is a
passive form of study. I dont get much time to watch TV during the week but there are a few shows
I like to watch and I can still be in the process of learning while relaxing. I can work on my
reading comprehension without really thinking about what I am doing. I have also noticed that it
is very easy to find errors in the closed captions (Bass, 2013). I never even thought about how
bad spelling gets in the way of reading until I started getting frustrated with the poor spelling
in the captions. It just made me more self-conscious of my own writing. I can now find spelling
errors in my own work more easily. I am also using this with my kids and they are beginning to
recognize more words. Overall, I never knew that something as simple as using closed caption would
make such a difference in my reading and writing ability.
Bass, M. (2013). Closed captioning to reading improvement. Elkhart, IN: Sample Publisher.
Tyler, H. (2013), Learning styles. Elkhart, IN: Sample Publisher

Secondary Response:
Dear Nyela I am glad to hear your review of the closed caption system for improving reading
comprehension. I was wondering how this particular technique actually worked. I am especially
inspired by your findings related to how it improves your spelling. I am a visual learner, too,
but sometimes have problems with clearly remembering how to spell words. Once I get them down on
paper I can usually see the errors. By practicing with the closed caption, I can see how this
would be very helpful! Thanks for the great feedback!
~Elijah

Modified from: http://educationcoffeehouse.com/writers/high_quality_discussion_posts.html

Topic 2: After reading Chapter 1 in the Dana book, think about how you would describe conflict from a professional
perspective. Start your response by completing the following sentence: "Conflict is..." then support your answer with
theoretical as well as applied knowledge from your own experience. After you post your response to this Discussion
Question, read and comment on your fellow students' postings.
Primary Response:
Conflict is driven by human nature and occurs in interactions between people whose interests
or functions are interdependent, and perceived incompatible with one another. People experience
conflict when they are interdependent and must rely on one another for results. Interdependence is
critical because it sets up an environment where individuals must chose to compete or co-operate in
a situation, driving conflict interaction. Other conditions of conflict include feelings of anger
and the perception that the other party or parties are at fault for various reasons. This also
leads people to act in ways that causes a problem in terms of negatively affecting the productivity
of one another (Dana, 2001, p. 5). Conflict can exist even if it is merely perceived by an
individual or group of people, and does not necessarily rely on the presence of an objective
situation. Therefore conflict inevitably occurs when an influence attempt by one party is resisted
by another party or merely "perceived" to be resisted (Field, 1998, p.372).
Interpersonal conflict occurs between people in interpersonal relationships, between teams
and small groups, and in inter-group settings. Conflicts can range from personal decisions to more
challenging professional conflicts between individuals or a larger number of parties. Since it
involves the presence of emotions, thoughts and behaviors that psychologists consider the only
dimensions of human experience (Dana, 2001, p.5), it is rooted in all parts of our human nature and
is a normal part of the daily functions in life. Any decision or interaction with another person
can result in a conflict such as choosing which MBA program to take, juggling daily schedules and
responsibilities, deciding what to wear, and responding to a production problem at work. A certain
amount of positive conflict is necessary for humans to function and evolve. Simple conflicts are
sometimes best to be ignored, while more complex ones are better to be confronted before they
evolve into larger more destructive problems that cannot be contained. The level of conflict
severity usually determines how much time is necessary to invest towards resolving it. Taught the
necessary skill set, employees can learn to be more effective by applying assertive and
compromising styles to strategically identify, react and resolve conflicts, saving their company
valuable time and money.
Dana, Daniel, (2001). Conflict Resolution, McGraw-Hill
Field, Richard H.G., (1998). Human Behaviour in Organizations, A Canadian Perspective, 2nd Ed.
Prentice Hall

Secondary Response:
Hi Susan,
I appreciate your interpretation of what a conflict means. It is true that we are human and
conflicts will occur. I believe that perception is very key to conflicts, as it is our individual
perceptions that allow us to believe that a conflict exists. It is also our perceptions that will
lead us to a final outcome. If we believe that the outcome is a win-win solution, the conflict is
resolved. It is our expectation that the outcome will be amicable, and if we dont perceive it to
be, the conflict will remain. Conflicts are intertwined with various human emotions and behaviors.

As you have stated, conflicts are not always negative; rather some instances of conflict can
be constructive to the work process. It can allow ideas and strategies to flow and hopefully the
outcome will be the best scenario. Our history is filled with labour conflicts with positive
outcomes. If we did not challenge each other as our human nature, our society would not have
progressed to what it is today.

Modified from: http://www.centenarycollege.edu/cms/en/academic-services/blackboard-guidelines/sample-onlinediscussion-guides/

Part B:
What other elements should be added to this list that you didnt see in the sample posts?
Elements of a Primary Response

Elements of a Secondary Response