Discussion Rubric

Digital Classroom: Teaching with Primary Sources

Discussion Rubric

Ongoing participation in discussions throughout the term is a class requirement. Engaged discussions are the basis for much of your learning. Much of the work you complete in the discussions will not have a right or wrong answer. Discussion postings do not require formal writing, but your writing should be professional and generally free of typing or grammatical errors. Evaluation will be based on

the amount of your participation
evidence of thoughtful discussion
questions you ask
completion of discussion topics and activities

The criteria found on the rubric below will be used to assess the quality of your responses to the postings and comments of class members during class discussions. You will receive a discussion grade for each module.

Complete the checklist provided at the end of each module to self-monitor the completion of all module activities.

Discussion Participation Rubric and Points

Criteria
Exemplary/Excellent
9-10 Points

Proficient/Satisfactory
6-8 points

Incomplete/Unsatisfactory
0 - 5 points

Quantity of Postings
The required postings are completed for each module's activity with additional postings responding to other participants' postings.

There is evidence of engaged, active discussion.

The required number of postings for each module's activities are completed.

Discussion postings are below the minimum number required for the module's activities. Contributions are vague or merely perfunctory. For example, most of the postings are "I think so too" or "I disagree", but lack any questions that extend or add to the discussion.

Quality of Writing Written responses are free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Written responses are usually free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Written responses frequently contain obvious grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.

Content of Discussion Board Postings
Discussion postings make it clear you have read the material and completed the assignment. Your response includes thought-provoking comments or questions designed to elicit responses from other participants and enhance discussion.

Subject heading provides clear idea of your message.

Discussion postings suggest you have read the readings and are responding to most of the questions and assignments. Subject heading is vague.

Subject headings are simply Re the previous topic

Discussion postings suggest little real supporting evidence of individual thought or indication of having read the required readings or completed the assignments. Subject heading is missing or is not about the topic.

Subject heading does not match topic or is non-existent

References and Documented Citations to Professional Readings Postings include include a wide variety of appropriate, well-researched and informative sources and have well-edited quotes from “expert” sources when appropriate and needed,

Quotes and sources of information are credited appropriately. Postings include Includes appropriate and informative quotes from “expert” sources. Source quotes are credited appropriately. Postings include no source quotes or includes source quotes with multiple citation errors.

Timeliness of Discussion Postings Discussion postings are posted on several different days throughout the module activity and are posted in a timely manner (within the module's specified time period listed on the course calendar). Discussion postings are generally posted within the time frame for the activity, but not necessarily posted throughout the module, or are occasionally posted outside of the module's specified time period. Postings are submitted late or all postings for a module are posted on the same day instead of posted on different days during the module activity. There is no or little evidence of interaction on the discussion board throughout the module.

Discussion Participation Rubric and Points
Criteria	Exemplary/Excellent 9-10 Points	Proficient/Satisfactory 6-8 points	Incomplete/Unsatisfactory 0 - 5 points
Quantity of Postings	The required postings are completed for each module's activity with additional postings responding to other participants' postings. There is evidence of engaged, active discussion.	The required number of postings for each module's activities are completed.	Discussion postings are below the minimum number required for the module's activities. Contributions are vague or merely perfunctory. For example, most of the postings are "I think so too" or "I disagree", but lack any questions that extend or add to the discussion.
Quality of Writing	Written responses are free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.	Written responses are usually free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.	Written responses frequently contain obvious grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.
Content of Discussion Board Postings	Discussion postings make it clear you have read the material and completed the assignment. Your response includes thought-provoking comments or questions designed to elicit responses from other participants and enhance discussion. Subject heading provides clear idea of your message.	Discussion postings suggest you have read the readings and are responding to most of the questions and assignments. Subject heading is vague. Subject headings are simply Re the previous topic	Discussion postings suggest little real supporting evidence of individual thought or indication of having read the required readings or completed the assignments. Subject heading is missing or is not about the topic. Subject heading does not match topic or is non-existent
References and Documented Citations to Professional Readings	Postings include include a wide variety of appropriate, well-researched and informative sources and have well-edited quotes from “expert” sources when appropriate and needed, Quotes and sources of information are credited appropriately.	Postings include Includes appropriate and informative quotes from “expert” sources. Source quotes are credited appropriately.	Postings include no source quotes or includes source quotes with multiple citation errors.
Timeliness of Discussion Postings	Discussion postings are posted on several different days throughout the module activity and are posted in a timely manner (within the module's specified time period listed on the course calendar).	Discussion postings are generally posted within the time frame for the activity, but not necessarily posted throughout the module, or are occasionally posted outside of the module's specified time period.	Postings are submitted late or all postings for a module are posted on the same day instead of posted on different days during the module activity. There is no or little evidence of interaction on the discussion board throughout the module.

Discussion Tips

1. Please do not post ahead. It's much easier for everyone to follow the thread if the discussion occurs within the assigned time frame. The times are specified in the calendar.

2. When you make your initial posting for a topic please use the COMPOSE option and provide a specific subject heading that calls attention to something in your posting.

3. When you reply to a message modify the subject heading to indicate any changes in overall content. Specific subject headings help us know what the message is about.

4. Ask meaningful, thinking questions and provide comments that elicit a thinking response.

5. Avoid responses such as "Good idea" or "I agree."

6. Reply by private email to a classmate if the comment or question will not be of benefit to the group.

7. Texting style language is not acceptable.

Updated Summer 2009.