need help

The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Wednesday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Wednesday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each week.

A. Questions for weekly discussions and conversations (not part of the required Discussion Board assignment)

These questions can serve as the starting point for your discussions during the week. They are “thought starters,” so that you can explore some ideas associated with the discussion board and unit topics. Answers are not required, and should not be submitted with your required assignment. Answers are not graded.

• How do emotions affect the critical thinking process?
• Is it more difficult for teenagers to use critical thinking than adults? Why?

B. Required Discussion Board assignment.

Think of a situation that you are willing to share in which you or someone you know acted ‘mindlessly’, rather than thoughtfully. This should be a situation that did not turn out well. To help you choose your scenario – first consult the web sites below to learn about decision making.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12206276&dopt=Citation

http://www.securitymanagement.com/news/road-rational-decision-making 

In your posting for the discussion board

• Describe your situation. Explain the mindlessness of the situation.
• Use critical thinking concepts to identify more effective thinking strategies that could have been utilized in your situation. They must be research-based.
• Identify what the outcome might have been in your situation if those critical thinking skills had been used. What would have been a positive outcome for your situation?

Research the Internet, library and/or your textbook to identify critical thinking concepts. The thinking strategies that you discuss must be research-related, not personal opinions.

Review the posting of at least two other students. Discuss the scenario with your classmates. Ask for clarifications where necessary, and share any insights you might have on his/her situation. 

Be sure to document your references using APA format.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials. Please refer to the following multimedia course material(s).

• Week 4 – Memory, Thinking, and Intelligence
• Week 4 – Learning, Thinking, and Memory

In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.