Threaded Discussions

Threaded Discussions

In some courses, discussions happen in a threaded format. That means each conversation has two key parts:
  1. The Comment (Initial Post)
  2. The Reply (Responses to Others)
Both parts are graded. To earn full credit, you need to do both.

The Comment (Initial Post)

The comment is the first post that starts the conversation. Think of it as opening a door to the discussion.

  • Example: During AMA week, Group A makes the first post with their recording link. 

  • Without the comment, there is no conversation for others to join.

Grading: Making your initial comment is usually worth 50 points.

The Reply

The reply is where you respond to a comment or another reply. This is where real conversation happens.

  • Example: During AMA week, Group B and Group C members reply to Group A’s recording link comment.

  • Replies can also go under other replies. For example, Group A members can respond back to Group B and C under their replies. That’s called a threaded reply.

Grading: Replying thoughtfully to the discussion is usually worth another 50 points.


The graphic below shows this structure. Notice how the comment begins the discussion, and each reply is visually indented underneath. This nesting helps you see who is responding to whom and keeps the conversation organized.
In Populi, comments start the discussion and replies build the conversation in a clear, threaded hierarchy.

If you accidentally post your reply as a comment instead of under someone’s thread, don’t worry! You can:

  1. Delete your comment.

  2. Repost it correctly as a reply.

This keeps the discussion organized and ensures you get full credit for both parts.

    • Related Articles

    • Instructor Guide: Facilitating and Grading in the AMA Course

      As an instructor in the AMA course, your role is to guide, encourage, and evaluate students as they move through case studies and discussions. Because this course relies on group work, it’s important to balance fair grading with active facilitation. ...

    • AMA Week Instructor Preparation Guide

      Purpose: AMA Week is distinct from other courses. Instructors will guide students individually and in groups while engaging with all three case studies. This guide outlines a timeline and best practices to prepare instructors for a successful week. 3 ...

    • Applied Medical Assisting (AMA) Week

      The Applied Medical Assisting (AMA) course is a little different from your other courses because it happens only one week per block and is focused on applying what you've learned. Think of it like a mathematical formula: AMA Week = (Group Work + ...

    • How does NIMAA support externship organizations?

      NIMMA provides the following support to externship organizations: Access to experienced faculty, regular live and taped lectures and discussions, and online curriculum Preceptor training course to prepare for the program Preceptor training courses, ...

    • Effective Online Discussion Tips

      Let's Start with Grammar Grammar is the foundation of clear communication, especially in written discussions. Here are some tips and common errors to watch out for, along with corrections to help you write effectively. Common Grammar Mistakes and ...