| Criteria |
Ratings |
Points |
| 5.0 points |
4.5 points |
4.0 points |
3.5 points |
3.0 points |
| Critical Analysis |
Discussion postings display an excellent understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts including correct use of terminology. Postings integrate an outside resource, or relevant research, or specific real-life application (work experience, prior coursework, etc.) to support important points. Quotes are cited appropriately. No more than 10% of the posting is a direct quotation. |
Discussion postings display an understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts including correct use of terminology and proper citation. |
Discussion postings repeat and summarize basic, correct information, but do not link readings to outside references, relevant research or specific real-life application and do not consider alternative perspectives or connections between ideas. Sources are not cited. |
Discussion postings show little or no evidence that readings were completed or understood. Postings are largely personal opinions or feelings, or “I agree” or “Great idea,” without supporting statements with concepts from the readings, outside resources, relevant research, or specific real-life application. |
Grades below 70% are given at the discretion of the instructor. |
5.0 points |
| Participation in the Learning Community |
Discussion postings actively stimulate and sustain further discussion by building on peers’ responses including—building a focused argument around a specific issue or— asking a new related question or—making an oppositional statement supported by personal experience or related research. |
Discussion postings contribute to the class’ ongoing conversations as evidenced by—affirming statements or references to relevant research or,—asking related questions or,—making an oppositional statement supported by any personal experience or related research. |
Discussion postings do not contribute to ongoing conversations or respond to peers’ postings. There is no evidence of replies to questions. |
Discussion postings show little or no evidence that readings were completed or understood. Postings are largely personal opinions or feelings, or “I agree” or “Great idea,” without supporting statements with concepts from the readings, outside resources, relevant research, or specific real-life application. |
Grades below 70% are given at the discretion of the instructor. |
5.0 points |
| Etiquette in Dialogue with Peers |
Written interactions on the discussion board show respect and sensitivity to peers’ gender, cultural and linguistic background, sexual orientation, political and religious beliefs. |
Written interactions on the discussion board show respect and interest in the viewpoints of others. |
Some of the written interactions on the discussion board show respect and interest in the viewpoints of others. |
Written interactions on the discussion board show disrespect for the viewpoints of others. |
Grades below 70% are given at the discretion of the instructor. |
5.0 points |
| Quality of Writing and Proofreading |
Written responses are free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. The style of writing facilitates communication. |
Written responses are largely free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. The style of writing generally facilitates communication. |
Written responses include some grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors that distract the reader. |
Written responses contain numerous grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. The style of writing does not facilitate effective communication. |
Grades below 70% are given at the discretion of the instructor. |
5.0 points |
| Total Points |
20 points |
