Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching - National University

Appendix A
Sample Language from an Online Course— Philosophy 100:
Introduction to Philosophy
Description of the Assignment
This assignment has two parts:
(1) Part 1: The Question - Ask an original question. The parameters here are two: (a) the
question should address a specific issue related to the content covered anywhere in
this unit or concern any concepts or principles covered in the unit, or it may be a critical
response/inquiry directed at one or more of your peers’ DB posts for the unit; (b) keep in
mind that the response to your question will be limited to around 350 words maximum,
so the question should not be too broad. Narrowly focused questions that include some
rationale for why this is an interesting or important question to consider are best.
All questions must be posted by the due date listed in the course syllabus for Q&A: Unit
I, Part 1 (Question). This will usually be one day (24 hours) after the DB for the unit is
due.
(2) Part 2: The Answer - Answer someone else’s question (i.e., do not respond to your
own question). Each question should have only one answer (and points will be deducted
if you answer a question after someone else has already answered it). If a question has
already been answered, then move on to one that has not been answered. There will be as
many questions as there are students in the class (ideally); there should be the same
number of responses. This part of the assignment is designed to encourage you to get
engaged with what your peers are doing: You will want to wait until all questions are
posted to find a question you would really like to answer; however, if you wait until the
last minute, the question you like may already be taken.
Note: If it should happen that there are no unanswered questions (and the Question duedate
deadline has passed), it means that someone has either answered two questions or
has answered a question but not asked one. Only in such a case should you answer a
question that has already been answered. The goals here are to open the discussion up to
a broad range of topics and to increase peer interaction.
All responses must be posted by the due date listed in the course syllabus for Q&A: Unit
I, Part 2 (Answer). This will usually be two days (48 hours) after the Questions are due.
This assignment is worth 5 points, and your score will be based on the originality, focus,
and substance of your question as well as the effort and insight evident in your response
to one of your peers’ questions.
Please note that late work cannot be accepted for this assignment.
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