DISCUSSION

Discussion Grading Rubric

Overview: The intent of the Discussion is to offer an opportunity for more in-depth written discussion of topics. The object is to both extend the student’s knowledge of the subject as well as to develop sound writing skills. As such posts should be in the form of full sentences with attention to grammar and spelling. Grading is based on the quality of input, not the correctness of answers. So this is a forum for free exchange of ideas at a collegiate level of conversation.

Each Discussion activity is worth a maximum 25 points. Students must post to the Discussion on at least TWO separate days. A 5 point deduction will apply to failure to post on two days.

Grading Criteria

Initial post: Up to 13 Points (one required)

A high content post will address one of the questions posed on the Discussion and add significant relevant new information or material to the Discussion. There must be a citation from the text, reference or links to other materials or sources. Sharing of an experience or personal observation on the subject matter is good, but does not replace the need for a reference source. The initial post should be 200-250 word, excluding any quoted material. The post may be longer, but length of the post is not the goal, valuable insight and content is. A well written concise post is best. An initial post is required!

Responses posts: Up to 6 points each (two are required)

This post will respond to the subject matter with a well though new insight or perspective. It is typically 4 sentences or so, but could be more. Not as detailed as an initial post.

A supporting post that shows agreement or reflection on a previous post is also valuable. Although lighter in content they are important to help the flow of the discussion. Supporting posts are typically 2 or 3 sentences and are worth 2 points.

To ensure all the possible points are earned on the Discussion, I highly encourage you to do more than the minimum required three posts. That way you will not have to worry about how I grade your individual posts – you will have accumulated enough points to receive the full 25 points.