Week 1: Discussion Questions
This week we are getting to know each other and establishing our standards and
expectations for our class. There are three questions to answer. Please post THREE
SEPARATE NOTES TO THE DISCUSSION BOARDS. I’m looking for one to three
paragraphs for each question.
In addition to posting your own answers, please RESPOND TO AT LEAST THREE
COMMENTS FROM OTHERS IN THE CLASS. Thoughtful comments of a few
sentences are what I’m looking for – not just “yeah cool, “ but some real substance.
DISCUSSION QUESTION NUMBER 1:
How would you describe yourself as a writer? What kinds of writing have you done
or do you hope to do?
Tell us what you’ve enjoyed writing in the past, whether stories, poems, emails,
descriptions, dialogue, sonnets, lists. You might share something you’ve written,
give us an excerpt. Or tell us what you aim to do in the next few months. Why do
you write at all?
DISCUSSION QUESTION NUMBER 2:
Why have you chosen to take an online writing class at this time in your life? What
benefits or challenges do you anticipate?
Consider what’s motivating you to study online. Tell us about your past experiences
with online study or virtual communities. You might tell us what how you’re feeling
about this project, or how you felt the first time you took an online class. Ask
questions and share your expertise.
DISCUSSION QUESTION NUMBER 3:
What will help you to give and receive constructive comments on creative writing in
this class?
Consider what works for you – how can people address your writing in a way that
will feel supportive to you? Tell us if you expect brutal honesty, thoughtful tact, or
something in between. If you’ve been in the position of commenting on other
people’s writing before, tell us how that went. What seemed to work best? For us to
work together, we need to develop some agreements about how we will address
each other and one another’s writing. Let us know what guidelines or expectations
make sense to you.