> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nexportsolutions.com/nexport-user-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nexportsolutions.com/nexport-user-documentation/administrator-documentation/administrator-reference/my-training-admin/instructor/assignments/assignment-feedback-1/page-2.md). # Discussion Assignment You are here: [My Training](/nexport-user-documentation/administrator-documentation/administrator-reference/my-training-admin.md) > [Instructor](/nexport-user-documentation/administrator-documentation/administrator-reference/my-training-admin/instructor.md) > [Assignment Types](/nexport-user-documentation/administrator-documentation/administrator-reference/my-training-admin/instructor/assignments/assignment-feedback-1.md) > Discussion Assignment ## The Discussion Assignment Type
The following table provides explanation for the user inputs that are required for the various sections and fields to manage discussion assignment. | Section | Field | Action or Description | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Discussion Assignment Details** |

In the title field, type the assignment title, as it is a mandatory field.

Note:

In the Discussion Assignment Description section, click the icon. The Assignment Template Reference page is displayed. Select the required Velocity Template Language (VTL) property and copy-paste it in the Rich Text Editor area. If you place the name of a field after a $, it is replaced with the information that field represents. For example, ‘Welcome to $OrganizationName’ changes to ‘Welcome to NexPort’, if the organization name is 'NexPort'.

For more information about adding content and applying formatting to the content in the Rich Text Editor area, see Use the Rich Text Editor.

| | | **Date Available** | In the **Date Available** box, enter the available assignment date and time in MM/DD/YYYY, HH:MM format with time zone. By default, the current date appears as the available assignment date. You can select the current date or any future date as an available assignment date. | | | **Lock Out Hours** | In the **Lock Out Hours** box, enter a specific number (in hours) to lock out the period an assignment for the student. | | | **Discussion Topic Options** | **Topic** |

In the Rich Text Editor area, type a topic name for the discussion assignment. You can also click Add Topic to add additional topics to the assignment. These topics are what students can write a reply to in the Classroom.

Note:

The topic title is a mandatory field.

| | **Grading** | **Mastery Score** |

Type a numerical value to set the mastery score. The mastery score indicates the minimum score to pass the Courseware assignment. For example, type a mastery score of 70 to indicate a 70 per cent is the passing mark for the Courseware assignment.

If you do not define a mastery score, NexPort Campus automatically calculates the points scored, but marks the student's Test assignment attempt as completed.

Note:

This is a mandatory field.

| | **Max Score** |

The maximum score that the discussion assignment returns. The max score value is used to calculate a normalized score for the assignment.

Note:

This is a mandatory field.

| | | **Grading Strategy** |

Determines whether a grade must be given by the Instructor, NexPort automatically assigns a grade or no grade is recorded.

Note:

If ‘No Grade’ is selected for an assignment then the score is displayed as -/- in the Gradebook view for those assignments.

| | | **Weight** | Used to calculate the final section score, this is the relative weight to give this assignment in relation to the other assignment weights within the section. | | | **Pacing Duration (Hours)** |

Virtual hours that can be used to control the percentage complete that is calculated in NexPort. If all assignments are set to 1 then the pacing is set across the assignments.

Note:

This is a mandatory field.

| | | **Late Assignment** | **Late Assignment Strategy** |

In the Late Assignment Strategy list, enter one of the following:

| | **Late Assignment Penalty** |

In the Last Assignment Penalty box, type the points to subtract if the assignment is not complete by the due date. This only applies if the Apply Penalty option is selected.

Note:

This is a mandatory field.

| | | **Due Date** |

In the Due Date box, enter due date and time of the assignment in MM/DD/YYYY, HH:MM format with time zone. By default, the current date appears as the due date. You can select the current date or any future date as a due date.

In Gradebook, the student’s assignment is marked as late, if the student completes the assignment after the due date.

Note:

The Due Date box is enabled, when you enter FailAfterDueDate in the Late Assignment Strategy list.

| | | **Supplemental Assignment** | When an assignment is marked as supplemental, it will be hidden to students **unless** you assign it to them. This can be useful when an assignment should only be assigned as needed. | **Note: Marking an assignment as supplemental is a *****permanent***** change.** |