Discussion Assignment (15%)

Marking Criteria

Please note:
1. Please ensure that the subject line of your message accurately describes your topic. The subject
line plays an important role in organizing threads or topics of discussion.
2. A complete assignment includes both your original message, and your responses to other
postings on the topic.
3. The Due Date in the Timeline represents the last date for posting. Make sure you start your
discussion early enough to generate a useful learning experience and complete assignment.

Needs
Exceptional Average
Marks Improvement
10 6
2
Content Content is complete and Content is complete and Ideas are incomplete
accurate and offers new ideas. accurate, but lacking in or inaccurate, or
The discussion is well new ideas, or there may there are two or
supported with details that be cases in which an more opinions
explain the participant's opinion is presented presented without
conclusions. Content without supporting facts supporting facts.
encourages further discussion or references. Content
on topic. All criteria or generally doesn't invite
categories are addressed and further discussion or
the organization of the final investigation.
posting shows this distinction.

Critical Thinking Clear evidence of critical
thinking (application, analysis,
synthesis, and evaluation) and
application to the topic.
Postings are characterized by
originality and relevance to the
topic.
Some critical thinking
evident, but posting may
not directly address the
issue. Little relevance to
the topic.
Lacking critical
thinking. Postings
tend to address
peripheral issues.
Generally accurate,
but with omissions or
clear recitation.

Timeliness Participant’s involvement is Participation is too late No participation

completed entirely within the to be of value to other within the required
required timeframe. learners. timeframe.

Involvement and Enters discussion several times
Responsiveness and responds to at least 2 other
groups. Communication
encourages further responses,
raises questions or politely
offers alternative perspectives.
Enters discussion only a Enters discussion 1
few times and/or fails to time only and/or fails
responds to at least 2 to respond to other
other groups. Interaction groups.
is best described as
"good idea ..." and of little
substance to continue
discussion.

Source: ILCCO Learning Academy at Waubonsee Community College.

Adapted with permission, 2009.