Demonstrate a thoughtful approach to the content, not just a summary.

Demonstrate a thoughtful approach to the content, not just a summary.
Cite research, class readings and supporting evidence in your discussion posts and responses to demonstrate your understanding and to share your reasoning with other participants.
Incorporate quotes from other participants responses as a way of synthesizing and extending the conversation.
Relate new content to what you have already learned in the course to date.
Relate content to your own personal experiences, professional experiences or current events.
Critically analyze the content, be grammatically correct and proofread for spelling errors. It counts in the real world, so it counts here too.
Make your initial posts early in the week giving others time to keep the discussion going.
Initial postings and responses need to extend discussions already taking place, or pose new possibilities or opinions not previously stated comments.
Demonstrate evidence of graduate-level thinking about the topics and professional interactions with other participants.
Demonstrate that you have interesting and provocative things to contribute to the discussion.