Discussion Forum Rubric (100-200 level)

College of Arts and Sciences

Total Points: 50 points

	Exemplary	Proficient	Needs Improvement	Absent
Initial Post:
Student responds thoroughly and appropriately to the weekly topic	15 points Student focuses on the weekly topic, and articulates a viewpoint that is well-reasoned and clearly communicated.	10 points Student focuses mostly on the weekly topic; the viewpoint is somewhat clear; reasoning needs to be developed but is clearly communicated.	5 points Student does not remain on topic; the viewpoint is weakly articulated or post is difficult to understand.	0 point Student does not respond to the weekly topic.
Student adheres to Rules of Discussion including post length, due dates, and citations.	10 points Student’s post is of an appropriate length, is posted by the appropriate time, and credits any sources that have been referenced.	7 points Student’s post is of an appropriate length but is not posted by the appropriate time and/or does not credit all sources.	4 points Student’s post is inadequate in length, post date, and/or the crediting of sources.	0 points Student’s post is plagiarized (copied) from another source or student with no credit given.
Follow Up Post #1:
Student advances the conversation through comments and additional questions.	10 points Student responds to one peers’ post with insights and thoughtful questions that broaden the discussion of the weekly topic in new and appropriate directions.	7 points Student responds to one peers’ post with comments that pertain to the topic and advance the conversation.	4 points Student simply offers agreement or disagreement with the initial post offered by peer.	0 points Student does not respond to any peers’ posts.
Follow Up Post #2:
Student advances the conversation through comments and additional questions.	10 points Student responds to one peer’s post with insights and thoughtful questions that broaden the discussion of the weekly topic in new and appropriate directions.	7 points Student responds to one peer’s post with comments that pertain to the topic and advance the conversation.	4 points Student simply offers agreement or disagreement with the initial post offered by peer.	0 points Student does not respond to any peers’ posts.
Grammar and Netiquette:
Student utilizes grammar and netiquette appropriately to communicate in the online forum	5 points Student clearly communicates in an appropriate, polite, and engaging manner. Grammar/spelling is accurate enough for posts to be easily read and understood.	3 points Student communicates in an appropriate, and polite, manner. Grammar/spelling is accurate enough for posts to be read and understood.	2 points Student communicates in an appropriate manner. Grammar/spelling errors make portions of the posts difficult to understand.	0 points Student’s post(s) are inappropriate, impolite, and/or utilize unacceptable or abrasive language exhibiting a lack of appropriate netiquette.