# Create
## Forum Content
The Forum activity provides a range of configuration options that allow you to **control how students interact, participate, and engage in discussions**. Below is a breakdown of each option and how you can use it effectively.
### Title and Description
**Title**
* Defines the name of the forum activity as seen by students. Use a **clear and meaningful title** to communicate the purpose of the discussion.
**Description**
* Provides instructions and context for the forum. Use this space to **set expectations**, explain the topic, and outline participation requirements.
### Threads
* **Discussion Threads List**
Displays all the threads you have created for the forum. Each thread represents a **separate discussion topic.**
**Adding/edit a thread**
{% hint style="info" %}
Use **multiple threads to better structure discussions** across different themes or questions.
{% endhint %}
Adding/editing a thread
When adding a thread, set a **clear and engaging subject**, in the body should contain a **well-structured prompt** that encourages critical thinking and sparks discussion. Optionally, you can also **add files** as attachments as supporting materials for the thread.
:circle-info:Tips for maximising the educational value of Forum
* **Write clear, open-ended prompts** that encourage discussion, not just answers
* **Set expectations for quality contributions**, not just quantity
* **Encourage interaction**, not isolated posts, ask students to reply to peers
* **Model good discussion behaviour** early in the activity
* **Use grading strategically** to reward meaningful engagement
* **Monitor discussions actively**, stepping in to guide or deepen thinking
* **Summarise key insights** at the end to reinforce learning
## Advanced Settings
### Notifications
**Notify Students**
* Sends email notifications to students when new posts are added. Helps keep students **engaged and aware of ongoing discussions**.
**Notify Instructors**
* Sends notifications to instructors for new posts. Useful for **monitoring activity and intervening when needed**.
**Notify Students When Marks Are Released**
* Alerts students when their forum contributions have been graded.
#### End of Activity
* **Lock When Finished**
Prevents students from posting once they have completed the activity. Useful for **closing discussions and maintaining consistency and integrity**.
***
### Posting Options
**Enable Rich Text Editor**
* Allows students to format their posts (bold, lists, links, images, embedding web content, etc.). Ideal for **structured, academic responses**.
**Allow Attachments**
* Enables students to upload files with their posts. Useful for **sharing evidence, documents, or supporting materials**.
**Allow Changes in Own Postings**
* Lets students edit their own messages after posting. Supports **reflection and refinement of ideas**.
**Enable Anonymous Posts**
* Allows students to post without revealing their identity. Encourages **honest participation**, especially in sensitive topics.
### Thread Control
**Allow Students to Create New Discussion Threads**
* Gives students the ability to initiate their own topics. Encourages **ownership and student-led discussions**.
**Number of Messages per Thread**
* Limits how many posts can be made within a thread. Helps you **control discussion length and keep conversations focused**.
### Posting Limits
**Minimum Number of Characters**
* Sets the minimum length required for a post. Ensures **substantive contributions rather than brief responses**.
**Maximum Number of Characters per Posting**
* Caps the length of each post. Helps **maintain concise and focused discussions**.
### Peer Rating and Evaluation
**Allow Students to Rate Each Other’s Postings**
* Create **your own criteria** for students to **rate and evaluate each others' postings**.
* Enables peer evaluation of contributions. Encourages **critical engagement and reflection on quality of responses**.
### Learning Outcomes
{% hint style="success" %}
**Mapping learning outcomes to activities is very useful for curriculum mapping.**
{% endhint %}
Add learning outcomes to the activity
As with all activities in LAMS, you can map your learning outcomes to this activity. If you want to add a learning outcome, just search for the particular outcome or type a new one it will be added to your list of learning outcomes for the future.
You can search Learning Outcomes by code or name.
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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.lamsfoundation.org/lams/tools/forum/create.md?ask=
```
The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.