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Sample Discussion Rubrics

Sample Discussion Rubric 1

Objective/Criteria Below Average Acceptable Meet Expectations Model Learner
Promptness and Initiative (1 point)
Does not respond to most postings. Rarely participates freely.
(2 points)
Responds to most posting several days after the initial discussion. Little or no initiative.
(3 points)
Responds to postings within a 48 hour period. Requires occasional prompting to post.
(4 points)
Responds to postings within a 24 hour period. Demonstrates good self-initiative.
Delivery of Post (1 point)
Uses poor spelling and grammar. Postings appear to be hasty.
(2 points)
Errors in spelling and grammar evidenced in several postings.
(3 points)
Mostly uses correct grammar and spelling with only minor errors.
(4 points)
Consistently uses grammatically correct posts with little or no misspellings.
Relevance of Post (0 points)
Postings do not relate to the weekly discussion content. Posts are irrelevant to the topic.
(2 points)
Occasionally posts off topic. Most posts do not offer further insight into the topic.
(4 points)
Most posting are related to the discussion topic and prompt further discussion of topic.
(5 points)
Consistently provides model posting related to the discussion topics, prompting further discussion, and cites references.
Expression within Post (0 points)
Does not express ideas/opinions clearly.
(2 points)
Ideas/Opinions are vaguely connected to the topic.
(4 points)
Ideas/opinions are usually stated clearly and connections can be founds to topic.
(5 points)
Expresses ideas/opinions clearly and makes obvious connections to the topic.
Learning Community Contribution (1 points)
Little or no effort is made to participate in the development of the community.
(2 points)
Marginal effort made to become involved in community or group.
(4 points)
Frequently directs the discussion and presents viewpoints. Interacts freely.
(5 points)
Consistently provides leadership and creativity by engaging and motivating the community.

Sample Discussion Rubric 2

Levels of Achievement
Criteria Poor Satisfactory Good Outstanding
Initial Post 0 Points
Didn’t post to the discussion board.
1 Point
Post meets at least one criteria of the assignment. Superficial thought and preparation doesn’t address all aspects of the assignment.
3 Points
Post addresses aspects of the assignment; but lacks full development of concepts.
4 Points
Post is well developed and addresses all aspects of the assignment.
Follow Up Posts 0 Points
No follow-up responses to others.
1 Points
Posted one response. Posts shallow contribution to discussion (e.g., agrees or disagrees); does not enrich discussion.
3 Points
Posted two responses. Elaborates on an existing posting with further comment or observation.
4 Points
Met the required number of responses. Demonstrates analysis of others’ posts; extends meaningful discussion by building on previous posts.
Content Contribution 0 Points
Posts information that is off-topic, incorrect, or irrelevant to discussion.
1 Points
Repeats but does not add substantive information to the discussion.
3 Points
Posts information that is factually correct; lacks full development of concept or thought.
4 Points
Posts factually correct, reflective and substantive contribution; advances discussion.
Clarity & Mechanics 0 Points
Posts long, unorganized or rude content that may contain multiple errors or may be inappropriate.
1 Points
Communicates in friendly, courteous and helpful manner with some errors in clarity or mechanics.
2 Points
Contributes valuable information to discussion with minor clarity or mechanics errors.
3 Points
Contributes to discussion with clear, concise comments formatted in an easy to read style that is free of grammatical or spelling errors.