Discussion forums are organized in a hierarchy of appropriately labeled folders, subject headings and group names, allowing participants to easily navigate to areas of interest. It is important to use meaningful and descriptive subject lines, so discussion threads can be accurately traced. Make subject lines as specific and clear as possible. If working in teams, label folders appropriately for each group.
Frame a discussion by posting a statement or question with phrases that students can use in their answers. For example, students might be asked to describe an organization and provide details of the department heads they will interview and the questions they will ask. Responses can be formatted with headings labeled 'organization', 'department heads', and 'questions'.
Instructors and students should place questions at the end of their posts where they will be remembered instead of burying them in the middle of a post.
The style in which a message is posted should be defined up front as academic, essay, or informal, for instance. Also clearly define any requirements, such as the posting of citations and data.
Where an assignment is new or may be unclear, show an exemplary post or posts to illustrate an assignment.
Overly long responses may spoil the flow of a discussion, so set limits on length by defining a maximum and minimum word count. However, sometimes putting such limits on a discussion can stifle creativity, so be sure to let students know that it's okay to add content when they have something important to say. For long posts have students format accordingly with paragraphs, summary statements, headings, graphics, bullets, numbered lists, tables, etc.