Developing a successful discussion requires a lot of effort and usually evolves 4 phases. We would like to shed a light on those 4 phases in order to provide detailed instructions on how to write a perfect discussion post.
Phase 1: Read before Writing
Open the discussion and read the assignment carefully. Pay attention to details and the general tone of the discussion question. Look for any prompts or specific ideas you have to incorporate in your reply.
Check your weekly reading in order to establish the connection between the discussion and the material you are supposed to cover. List all ideas you have and cross out anything weak or obvious.
Phase 3: Edit and Review
Check out if your post replied directly to the questions. Check capitalization, formation, and spelling twice, as you may be losing your grade because of some silly typos you did not notice. If required, did you reference any sources, and is your formatting appropriate? If you feel like there is something wrong with the post you have written, it may be better to refer to professional editors to take care of your writing.
Phase 2: Draft Your Post
We recommend using a word processor to work on your post. This will help you check the writing and avoid information loss in case your browser crashes. You may find out that if you copy-paste the prompt into your post, it will be easier for you to answer the question. Do not forget to erase it once you have finished writing. Add examples, quotes, or personal experience (if applicable), to support your ideas. Pay attention to the length and content of your discussion post template.
Phase 4: Pre-Post
Once you are done with your writing, open the discussion and check for any new replies from other students. Post your answer in regards to what has been written before and make sure you mention that in your post by agreeing, disagreeing, or simply adding to what someone has posted. If you are the first person to post, keep an eye on the discussion and make sure to ask questions along the way.