Many classes require students to write once or twice-weekly discussion responses to the readings as part of the class, often along with the requirement to respond to other posters if the papers are submitted in an online format. It is easy to view these assignments as trivial because of their length. However, they should be regarded as anything but: your professor is getting to know you in these short essays, and your responses will affect how your later work in the class is viewed.

To write effective discussion responses, it is not necessary to summarize all of the material, unless your professor specifically asks you to do so. Instead, select one or two interesting and relevant points to explicate. Ask a probing question or offer an opinion. Analyzing and synthesizing the material and showing you understand it is more important than recounting every little detail.

When engaging with other students, be respectful—remember they will be responding to your posts so treat them as you would like to be treated. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to disagree. Discussions are boring if everyone simply restates the same points over and over again. Your professor wants evidence that you know how to think critically and make your points succinctly and use selective evidence to make a meaningful argument.

There are also some technical points to remember when writing an effective discussion post: make sure to cite all of your sources and include a complete reference list. Professors will hold you to the same standards about citing sources as they will when grading more formal paper. While it is usually okay to use the first person (for example, to say ‘I think’ and ‘I feel’) try to avoid slang and colloquialisms. A discussion post is always part of an academic, not a casual conversation between yourself, your fellow classmates, and your professor.