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[caesura]

I'm wondering how to respond when students post something in a discussion that is "wrong," i.e., a factual error, misunderstanding of the reading, illogical response, etc.  I know how to respond to these things in f2f discussion, but it seems trickier online.  Without nonverbal means of "softening" the correction, it seems hard to duplicate the tone I want to convey when I respond.  Plus, f2f, both the error and my correction are ephemeral, and we quickly turn our attention to something else.  Online, both the error and my response remain there for all to see.  Sometimes, I respond privately to the student, which is fine, but sometimes I don't want an error to remain uncorrected for the other students to read.  

How do you handle this issue?

[zuzu_]

As someone who teaches a ton of discussion-heavy online courses, I actually think it's easier to remedy this sort of thing online, where you can carefully consider the wording of your response.

Start by acknowledging something positive about the post. Be as specific as possible. If the post is just a complete clusterfrak, say something vague like, "You've raised some valid topics here." And then rather than simply correct the error, highlight the problematic point, and ask a question that encourages either the author or the rest of the class to re-examine the statement.

[infopri]

rather than simply correct the error, highlight the problematic point, and ask a question that encourages either the author or the rest of the class to re-examine the statement.

I use an approach similar to zuzu's when I can, but sometimes I need to be more direct.  On such occasions, sometimes I can get away with calling the correction a "clarification."  When I have no choice but to say that the person is just plain, out-and-out, dumb-as-a-rock wrong, I try to include language indicating that the error was understandable because blah-blah (whatever the point is) can be so confusing, etc.  So far, I've had no complaints (that I know of), and the students mostly (but certainly not always) seem to appreciate my intervention.

[hulkhogan]

OP, I read your post as referring to asynchronous discussions. In that case, yes, always contact the student privately. As others have said, praise the praiseworthy content and then point out the error. Do not go into great detail. Add a link to the correct information so that you will not get into a back-and-forth with the student. Most discussion boards (in Blackboard anyhow) have a setting that allows posters to make changes to their posts. Allow the student to correct his/her own post by a certain deadline. Tell the student that you'll make the correction after X date. Assure the student that this error will have no impact on his/her grade.
It's a way for you to model mature behavior to your students: We all make mistakes, and instead of becoming defensive, we graciously (and swiftly) correct the mistake when it is noticed.

[infopri]

yes, always contact the student privately. [...]  Add a link to the correct information so that you will not get into a back-and-forth with the student. Most discussion boards (in Blackboard anyhow) have a setting that allows posters to make changes to their posts. Allow the student to correct his/her own post by a certain deadline. Tell the student that you'll make the correction after X date. Assure the student that this error will have no impact on his/her grade.

I like this approach and will try it in the future.  It won't work with some students, but I can see it working well with many others.  Thanks, hulkhogan!

[littlefred]

I like the idea of assuring them that if they correct the error it won't have an effect on their grade.

Otherwise, I agree with the others here. I offer a 'clarification' and 'redirect' them to the place to find the proper answers.

[blackadder]

Same here for PMing or emailing the student. On the post I'll put something to the effect of "Hold off on this thread for a bit." or "Take a look at this again. Other comments or ideas?". My message to the student will be along the lines of finding the error and making edits or reposting to provide the correct information, without a grade reduction...unless they don't fix it. Of course if they don't that's their choice to get a lower grade. I'll provide the correct information too.

[baphd1996]

I guess I'm too blunt.  I'll write something like "what cerel box did you get that information from?"

[whipkitty]

I give them the option of posting early.  If the post by X date, I guarantee a response that will tell them what to correct to receive full credit.  When they get anything wrong, my standard opener is: This is a good start.  To receive full credit...