The purpose of the discussion forums is twofold; first, each forum is an opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery of course objectives by identifying all relevant aspects of the weekly topic, then articulating and supporting one particular viewpoint (providing data or research from the literature in the field).

Second, students contribute to the learning community by interacting with each other and employing critical thinking skills to analyze their peers’ posts, and asking questions that advance the conversation and promote learning beyond the course content.

This aspect of having conversation and healthy debate regarding the weekly topic is meant to simulate the interactions that would typically occur in brick and mortar classrooms.

Total Points: 50 points

	Exemplary	Proficient	Developing	Needs Improvement
Initial Post:
Student provides a well-developed post	13-15 points Student provides a well-developed post that fully addresses all aspects of the task.	10-12 points Student provides a generally thorough post that addresses all aspects of the task; lacks full development of concepts.	7-9 points Student provides complete post; however, post lacks adequate development or support and does not address all aspects of the task.	0-1 points Student post is incomplete.
Student demonstrates knowledge or insight in the discussion	8-10 points Student provides an accurate and thoughtful contribution to the discussion; demonstrates knowledge or insight in the discussion.	5-7 points Student posts information that is generally correct and thoughtful; lacks full development of concept or thought.	2-4 points Student contributes an incorrect or inadequate post; does not add substantive information to the discussion.	0-1 points Student posts information that is off-topic, incorrect, or irrelevant to discussion.
Follow Up Post 1:
Student advances the conversation through comments and additional questions.	9-10 points Student analyzes the initial posts of peers; provides additional data or information that advances the discussion of the weekly topic in a meaningful direction.	7-8 points Student employs critical thinking skills to analyze the information offered by peers; offers relevant, detailed, well-supported explanation of reasoning.	2-6 points Student shares information that may be somewhat pertinent to the initial post but fails to demonstrate adequate comprehension of the content in the post	0-1 points Student simply offers agreement or disagreement with the initial post offered by peers.
Follow Up Post 2:
Student advances the conversation through comments and additional questions.	9-10 points Student analyzes the initial posts of peers; provides additional data or information that advances the discussion of the weekly topic in a meaningful direction.	7-8 points Student employs critical thinking skills to analyze the information offered by peers; offers relevant, detailed, well-supported explanation of reasoning.	2-6 points Student shares information that may be somewhat pertinent to the initial post but fails to demonstrate adequate comprehension of the content in the post.	0-1 points Student simply offers agreement or disagreement with the initial post offered by peers.
Overview of Written Expression:
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, citations (if needed)	4-5 points Perfect or nearly perfect presentation in written form	3 points Several errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and/or citations	2 points Multiple errors in written presentation that prevent clear interpretation of the student's meaning	0-1 points Written presentation is unclear due to overwhelming errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and/or citations