Eubanks Revision 05/2014

Discussion Rubric
NOTE:
1. Initial Posts are due time-stamped by 11:59PM, Eastern Time, Wednesday.
2. 4 points will be deducted for late initial posts (one full grade), as this has an adverse impact on the quality of the discussion
and on the learning community.
3. Posting Replies on Thursday and Friday of the week is a required practice; any later than that Saturday has an adverse
impact on the quality of the learning community. Posting all or the majority of your contribution on the last day of the
week will result in decreased points due to the fact that you have not been effective in participating in the discussion across
the week.
4. Interaction is key to a rigorous discussion: participation over 3 separate days each week is required, as described below.
5. The quality of the discussion is dependent on everyone in the course; therefore, points are gained through posts that
stimulate further conversation.
Post Type Post Performance Points
Exemplary Proficient Developing Needs Improvement
Initial Post:
Demonstration
of Quality
Content and
Integration of
Course
Material
The first post for this
discussion exhibits a strong
statement to answer the main
discussion question(s). The
students answer
incorporates a concise
statement backed by
assigned readings from the
class or other scholarly
sources, and stimulates
further discussion. APA
Style is followed. (4 points
statement; 2 points sources; 2
points discussion
stimulation).
8 points
The first post for this
discussion exhibits a
statement to answer the
main discussion
question(s). However,
this answer doesnt
demonstrate one of the
following areas: a
concise statement;
backed by readings from
the class or another
source, and stimulates
further discussion. APA
Style is followed.
7.5 points
The first post for this
discussion exhibits a
statement to answer, or
partially answer, the
main discussion
question(s). However,
this answer doesnt
demonstrate two of the
following areas: a
concise statement;
backed by readings
from the class or
another source, and
stimulates further
discussion. APA Style
is missing an element.
7 points
The first post for this
discussion exhibits a
statement that is
partially incorrect, is
fully incorrect, or
doesnt answer, the main
discussion question(s).
If the initial post is
missing, this warrants a
zero. Further, this post is
not a concise statement;
is not backed by
readings from the class
or another source, and
does not stimulate
further discussion. APA
Style is not followed.
6.5 points or lower
8 Points
maximum
Eubanks Revision 05/2014
Follow-Up
Posts:
Participation
as Member of
Learning
Community

The students feedback to a
minimum of three (3) other
initial posts exhibit
substantive answers that
address the posts, are
supported by readings or
other facts, and
challenge/invite other
participants to further
explore the topic.
8 points
The students feedback
to a minimum of two
(2) other initial posts
exhibit solid answers
that address the posts
adequately, are
supported by readings or
other facts, and
challenge/invite other
participants to further
explore the topic.
7.5 points
The students feedback
to the minimum of
two (2) other initial
posts exhibit answers
that may fail to address
the posts adequately,
are not supported by
readings or other facts,
or fail to
challenge/invite other
participants to further
explore the topic. In
addition, replies were
posted late in the
week.
7 points
Student did not give
feedback to a
minimum of two other
initial posts, or the
feedback constitutes
simple agreement or a
question that does not
show evidence of effort,
critical thought or
knowledge, or were
posted too late in the
week to have an impact.
6.5 points or lower
8 points
maximum/
4 Points Each
Response to
Feedback
Received:
Ongoing
Participation
throughout
the week.
Student participates in the
discussion forum at least (3)
separate days of the week,
writes substantial responses
to all feedback received on
students initial post; and
responds to instructors
feedback to initial post.
4 points
Student participates in
the discussion forum at
least (3) separate days of
the week; responds to all
feedback received on
students initial post,
and responds to
instructors feedback to
initial post. Responses
are proficient, but not as
robust, in-depth, or
substantive as the
exemplary category.
3 points
Student is missing two
elements in the areas
of: posting in at least
(3) separate days of the
week; responds to all
feedback received on
initial post, or response
to instructors
feedback to initial post.
Responses show
attention to feedback
received but are not
substantive.
2 points
Student does not
adequately provide
evidence of participating
in the discussion forum
throughout the week as
evidenced by number of
days, posting to
feedback received on
initial post, or response
to instructors feedback
to initial post.
1-0 points
4 Points
maximum
20 Total Points
maximum