SCMG502 I001

Research Paper

Graduate Level Rubric:

APUS

Assignment

Graduate Level

Rubric

500-600

EXEMPLARY

LEVEL

ACCOMPLISHED

LEVEL

DEVELOPING

LEVEL

BEGINNNIG

LEVEL

TOTAL

POINTS

FOCUS AND

THESIS

Student exhibits a

defined and clear

understanding of the

assignment. Thesis is

clearly defined and well

constructed to help

guide the reader

throughout the

assignment. Student

builds upon the thesis of

the assignment with

well-documented and

exceptional supporting

facts, figures, and/or

statements.

10 points

Establishes a good

comprehension of

topic and in the

building of the thesis.

Student demonstrates

an effective

presentation of thesis,

with most support

statements helping to

support the key focus

of assignment.

7 points

Student exhibits a

basic understanding

of the intended

assignment, but the

thesis is not fully

supported throughout

the assignment.

While thesis helps to

guide the

development of the

assignment, the

reader may have

some difficulty in

seeing linkages

between thoughts.

While student has

included a few

supporting facts and

statements, this has

limited the quality of

the assignment.

5 points

Exhibits a limited

understanding of the

assignment. Reader

is unable to follow

the logic used for the

thesis and

development of key

themes. Introduction

of thesis is not clearly

evident, and reader

must look deeper to

discover the focus of

the writer. Student’s

writing is weak in the

inclusion of

supporting facts or

statements.

1 point

/10

CONTENT AND

SUBJECT

KNOWLEDGE

Student demonstrates

proficient command of

the subject matter in the

assignment.

Assignment shows an

impressive level of

depth of student’s

ability to relate course

content to practical

examples and

applications. Student

provides comprehensive

analysis of details,

facts, and concepts in a

logical sequence.

25 points

Student exhibits

above average usage

of subject matter in

assignment. Student

provides above

average ability in

relating course

content in examples

given. Details and

facts presented

provide an adequate

presentation of

student’s current

level of subject

matter knowledge.

20 points

The assignment

reveals that the

student has a general,

fundamental

understanding of the

course material.

Whereas, there are

areas of some

concerning in the

linkages provided

between facts and

supporting

statements. Student

generally explains

concepts, but only

meets the minimum

requirements in this

area.

15 points

Student tries to

explain some

concepts, but

overlooks critical

details. Assignment

appears vague or

incomplete in various

segments. Student

presents concepts in

isolation, and does

not perceive to have a

logical sequencing of

ideas.

10 points

/25

CRITICAL

THINKING

SKILLS

Student demonstrates a

higher-level of critical

thinking necessary for

500-600 level work.

Learner provides a

strategic approach in

presenting examples of

problem solving or

critical thinking, while

drawing logical

conclusions which are

not immediately

Student exhibits a

good command of

critical thinking skills

in the presentation of

material and

supporting

statements.

Assignment

demonstrates the

student’s above

average use of

relating concepts by

Student takes a

common,

conventional

approach in guiding

the reader through

various linkages and

connections

presented in

assignment.

However, student

presents a limited

perspective on key

Student demonstrates

beginning

understanding of key

concepts, but

overlooks critical

details. Learner is

unable to apply

information in a

problem-solving

fashion. Student

presents confusing

statements and facts

/25

obvious. Student

provides well-supported

ideas and reflection

with a variety of current

and/or world views in

the assignment. Student

presents a genuine

intellectual

development of ideas

throughout assignment.

25 points

using a variety of

factors. Overall,

student provides

adequate conclusions,

with 2 or fewer

errors.

20 points

concepts throughout

assignment. Student

appears to have

problems applying

information in a

problem-solving

manner.

15 points

in assignment. No

evidence or little

semblance of critical

thinking skills.

10 points

ORGANIZATIO

N OF IDEAS

AND FORMAT

Student thoroughly

understands and excels

in explaining all major

points. An original,

unique, and/or

imaginative approach to

overall ideas, concepts,

and findings is

presented. Overall

format of assignment

includes an appropriate

introduction (or

abstract), well-

developed paragraphs,

and conclusion.

Finished assignment

demonstrates student’s

ability to plan and

organize research in a

logical sequence.

Student uses at least of

5-7 references in

assignment.

15 points

Student explains the

majority of points

and concepts in the

assignment. Learner

demonstrates a good

skill level in

formatting and

organizing material

in assignment.

Student presents an

above average level

of preparedness, with

a few formatting

errors. Assignment

contains less than 5

resources.

10 points

Learner applies some

points and concepts

incorrectly. Student

uses a variety of

formatting styles,

with some

inconsistencies

throughout the paper.

Assignment does not

have a continuous

pattern of logical

sequencing. Student

uses less than 3

sources or references.

7 points

Assignment reveals

formatting errors and

a lack of

organization.

Student presents an

incomplete attempt to

provide linkages or

explanation of key

terms. The lack of

appropriate

references or source

materials

demonstrates the

student’s need for

additional help or

training in this area.

Student needs to

review and revise the

assignment.

1 point

/15

WRITING

CONVENTIONS

(GRAMMAR &

MECHANICS)

Student demonstrates an

excellent command of

grammar, as well as

presents research in a

clear and concise

writing style. Presents

a thorough, extensive

understanding of word

usage. Student excels

in the selection and

development of a well-

planned research

assignment.

Assignment is error-free

and reflects student’s

ability to prepare a

high-quality academic

assignment.

10 points

Student provides an

effective display of

good writing and

grammar.

Assignment reflects

student’s ability to

select appropriate

word usage and

present an above

average presentation

of a given topic or

issue. Assignment

appears to be well

written with no more

than 3-5 errors.

Student provides a

final written product

that covers the

above-minimal

requirements.

7 points

Assignment reflects

basic writing and

grammar, but more

than 5 errors. Key

terms and concepts

are somewhat vague

and not completely

explained by student.

Student uses a basic

vocabulary in

assignment.

Student’s writing

ability is average, but

demonstrates a basic

understanding of the

subject matter.

5 points

Topics, concepts, and

ideas are not

coherently discussed

or expressed in

assignments.

Student’s writing

style is weak and

needs improvement,

along with numerous

proofreading errors.

Assignment lacks

clarity, consistency,

and correctness.

Student needs to

review and revise

assignment.

1 point

/10

USE OF

COMPUTER

TECHNOLOGY/

AND

APPLICATIONS

Student provides a

high-caliber, formatted

assignment. Learner

exhibits excellent use of

computer technology in

the development of

Assignment presents

an above-average use

of formatting skills,

with less than 3

errors. Students has

a good command of

Student demonstrates

a basic knowledge of

computer

applications.

Appearance of final

assignment

Student needs to

develop better

formatting skills.

The student may

need to take

additional training or

/5

assignment. Quality

and appropriateness of

stated references

demonstrate the

student’s ability to use

technology to conduct

applicable research.

Given assignment

includes appropriate

word processing,

spreadsheet and/or other

computer applications

as part of the final

product.

5 points

computer

applications to format

information and/or

figures in an

appropriate format.

Student uses at least

two types of

computer

applications to

produce a quality

assignment.

4 points

demonstrates the

student’s limited

ability to format and

present data.

Resources used in

assignment are

limited. Student may

need to obtain further

help in the use of

computer

applications and

Internet research.

3 points

obtain help from the

Educator Help Desk

while preparing an

assignment.

Research and

resources presented

in the assignment are

limited. Student

needs to expand

research scope. The

number of formatting

errors is not

acceptable.

1 point

RESEARCH

SKILL

Student provides

sophisticated synthesis

of complex body of

information in the

preparation of

assignment. Research

provided by student

contributes significantly

to the development of

the overall thesis.

Student incorporates at

least of 7-10 quality

references in

assignment. Student

incorporates a variety of

research resources and

methodology in the

preparation of

assignment.

10 points

Student achieves an

above average

synthesis of research,

but interpretation is

narrow in scope and

description within

assignment.

Assignment contains

less than 7 resources,

and presents an

average overview of

key concepts.

7 points

Assignment provides

a basic, but

borderline

perspective of

student’s research

abilities. Student has

incorporated less than

4 sources, which does

not attempt to cover

key elements of

assignment.

5 points

Student fails to

provide an adequate

synthesis of research

collected for

assignment. The lack

of appropriate

references or source

materials

demonstrates the

student’s need for

additional help or

training in this area.

Student needs to

review and revise the

assignment. The

paper is not of

acceptable quality for

graduate-level work.

1 point

/10

TOTAL POINTS /100

Research Paper

Graduate Level Rubric:

APUS

Assignment

Graduate Level

Rubric

500-600

EXEMPLARY

LEVEL

ACCOMPLISHED

LEVEL

DEVELOPING

LEVEL

BEGINNNIG

LEVEL

TOTAL

POINTS

FOCUS AND

THESIS

Student exhibits a

defined and clear

understanding of the

assignment. Thesis is

clearly defined and well

constructed to help

guide the reader

throughout the

assignment. Student

builds upon the thesis of

the assignment with

well-documented and

exceptional supporting

facts, figures, and/or

statements.

10 points

Establishes a good

comprehension of

topic and in the

building of the thesis.

Student demonstrates

an effective

presentation of thesis,

with most support

statements helping to

support the key focus

of assignment.

7 points

Student exhibits a

basic understanding

of the intended

assignment, but the

thesis is not fully

supported throughout

the assignment.

While thesis helps to

guide the

development of the

assignment, the

reader may have

some difficulty in

seeing linkages

between thoughts.

While student has

included a few

supporting facts and

statements, this has

limited the quality of

the assignment.

5 points

Exhibits a limited

understanding of the

assignment. Reader

is unable to follow

the logic used for the

thesis and

development of key

themes. Introduction

of thesis is not clearly

evident, and reader

must look deeper to

discover the focus of

the writer. Student’s

writing is weak in the

inclusion of

supporting facts or

statements.

1 point

/10

CONTENT AND

SUBJECT

KNOWLEDGE

Student demonstrates

proficient command of

the subject matter in the

assignment.

Assignment shows an

impressive level of

depth of student’s

ability to relate course

content to practical

examples and

applications. Student

provides comprehensive

analysis of details,

facts, and concepts in a

logical sequence.

25 points

Student exhibits

above average usage

of subject matter in

assignment. Student

provides above

average ability in

relating course

content in examples

given. Details and

facts presented

provide an adequate

presentation of

student’s current

level of subject

matter knowledge.

20 points

The assignment

reveals that the

student has a general,

fundamental

understanding of the

course material.

Whereas, there are

areas of some

concerning in the

linkages provided

between facts and

supporting

statements. Student

generally explains

concepts, but only

meets the minimum

requirements in this

area.

15 points

Student tries to

explain some

concepts, but

overlooks critical

details. Assignment

appears vague or

incomplete in various

segments. Student

presents concepts in

isolation, and does

not perceive to have a

logical sequencing of

ideas.

10 points

/25

CRITICAL

THINKING

SKILLS

Student demonstrates a

higher-level of critical

thinking necessary for

500-600 level work.

Learner provides a

strategic approach in

presenting examples of

problem solving or

critical thinking, while

drawing logical

conclusions which are

not immediately

Student exhibits a

good command of

critical thinking skills

in the presentation of

material and

supporting

statements.

Assignment

demonstrates the

student’s above

average use of

relating concepts by

Student takes a

common,

conventional

approach in guiding

the reader through

various linkages and

connections

presented in

assignment.

However, student

presents a limited

perspective on key

Student demonstrates

beginning

understanding of key

concepts, but

overlooks critical

details. Learner is

unable to apply

information in a

problem-solving

fashion. Student

presents confusing

statements and facts

/25

obvious. Student

provides well-supported

ideas and reflection

with a variety of current

and/or world views in

the assignment. Student

presents a genuine

intellectual

development of ideas

throughout assignment.

25 points

using a variety of

factors. Overall,

student provides

adequate conclusions,

with 2 or fewer

errors.

20 points

concepts throughout

assignment. Student

appears to have

problems applying

information in a

problem-solving

manner.

15 points

in assignment. No

evidence or little

semblance of critical

thinking skills.

10 points

ORGANIZATIO

N OF IDEAS

AND FORMAT

Student thoroughly

understands and excels

in explaining all major

points. An original,

unique, and/or

imaginative approach to

overall ideas, concepts,

and findings is

presented. Overall

format of assignment

includes an appropriate

introduction (or

abstract), well-

developed paragraphs,

and conclusion.

Finished assignment

demonstrates student’s

ability to plan and

organize research in a

logical sequence.

Student uses at least of

5-7 references in

assignment.

15 points

Student explains the

majority of points

and concepts in the

assignment. Learner

demonstrates a good

skill level in

formatting and

organizing material

in assignment.

Student presents an

above average level

of preparedness, with

a few formatting

errors. Assignment

contains less than 5

resources.

10 points

Learner applies some

points and concepts

incorrectly. Student

uses a variety of

formatting styles,

with some

inconsistencies

throughout the paper.

Assignment does not

have a continuous

pattern of logical

sequencing. Student

uses less than 3

sources or references.

7 points

Assignment reveals

formatting errors and

a lack of

organization.

Student presents an

incomplete attempt to

provide linkages or

explanation of key

terms. The lack of

appropriate

references or source

materials

demonstrates the

student’s need for

additional help or

training in this area.

Student needs to

review and revise the

assignment.

1 point

/15

WRITING

CONVENTIONS

(GRAMMAR &

MECHANICS)

Student demonstrates an

excellent command of

grammar, as well as

presents research in a

clear and concise

writing style. Presents

a thorough, extensive

understanding of word

usage. Student excels

in the selection and

development of a well-

planned research

assignment.

Assignment is error-free

and reflects student’s

ability to prepare a

high-quality academic

assignment.

10 points

Student provides an

effective display of

good writing and

grammar.

Assignment reflects

student’s ability to

select appropriate

word usage and

present an above

average presentation

of a given topic or

issue. Assignment

appears to be well

written with no more

than 3-5 errors.

Student provides a

final written product

that covers the

above-minimal

requirements.

7 points

Assignment reflects

basic writing and

grammar, but more

than 5 errors. Key

terms and concepts

are somewhat vague

and not completely

explained by student.

Student uses a basic

vocabulary in

assignment.

Student’s writing

ability is average, but

demonstrates a basic

understanding of the

subject matter.

5 points

Topics, concepts, and

ideas are not

coherently discussed

or expressed in

assignments.

Student’s writing

style is weak and

needs improvement,

along with numerous

proofreading errors.

Assignment lacks

clarity, consistency,

and correctness.

Student needs to

review and revise

assignment.

1 point

/10

USE OF

COMPUTER

TECHNOLOGY/

AND

APPLICATIONS

Student provides a

high-caliber, formatted

assignment. Learner

exhibits excellent use of

computer technology in

the development of

Assignment presents

an above-average use

of formatting skills,

with less than 3

errors. Students has

a good command of

Student demonstrates

a basic knowledge of

computer

applications.

Appearance of final

assignment

Student needs to

develop better

formatting skills.

The student may

need to take

additional training or

/5

assignment. Quality

and appropriateness of

stated references

demonstrate the

student’s ability to use

technology to conduct

applicable research.

Given assignment

includes appropriate

word processing,

spreadsheet and/or other

computer applications

as part of the final

product.

5 points

computer

applications to format

information and/or

figures in an

appropriate format.

Student uses at least

two types of

computer

applications to

produce a quality

assignment.

4 points

demonstrates the

student’s limited

ability to format and

present data.

Resources used in

assignment are

limited. Student may

need to obtain further

help in the use of

computer

applications and

Internet research.

3 points

obtain help from the

Educator Help Desk

while preparing an

assignment.

Research and

resources presented

in the assignment are

limited. Student

needs to expand

research scope. The

number of formatting

errors is not

acceptable.

1 point

RESEARCH

SKILL

Student provides

sophisticated synthesis

of complex body of

information in the

preparation of

assignment. Research

provided by student

contributes significantly

to the development of

the overall thesis.

Student incorporates at

least of 7-10 quality

references in

assignment. Student

incorporates a variety of

research resources and

methodology in the

preparation of

assignment.

10 points

Student achieves an

above average

synthesis of research,

but interpretation is

narrow in scope and

description within

assignment.

Assignment contains

less than 7 resources,

and presents an

average overview of

key concepts.

7 points

Assignment provides

a basic, but

borderline

perspective of

student’s research

abilities. Student has

incorporated less than

4 sources, which does

not attempt to cover

key elements of

assignment.

5 points

Student fails to

provide an adequate

synthesis of research

collected for

assignment. The lack

of appropriate

references or source

materials

demonstrates the

student’s need for

additional help or

training in this area.

Student needs to

review and revise the

assignment. The

paper is not of

acceptable quality for

graduate-level work.

1 point

/10

TOTAL POINTS /100