Example of a Scholarly Post

Please consider this example of a scholarly post for discussion forums and remember the following when replying to a discussion:  

1. Everyone has an opinion.  Opinions are not the same as informed knowledge. They are our easiest responses because they don't require us to understand the issues or engage in the readings.  Expressing opinions simply rehearses what we already know. 

2. Let go of anecdotal evidence and examine patterns.  Anecdotal evidence is drawn from personal experiences which while important don't help you go beyond what you already know or think to be true. 

3. You don't know what you don't know. Be open to understanding rather than agreeing or disagreeing with the information in the text. 

4. Challenge others in their thinking.  Agreeing with other students while very polite doesn't encourage robust dialogue. Feel free to challenge, ask for clarification, or further explanation. For each discussion, students are advised that after their initial post, students are to post 2 thoughtful questions to their peers on this topic for their reply.