Quality of Initial Posting

0 Points

No initial posting to evaluate

1 to 13 Points

The information provided is inaccurate, not focused on the assignment’s topic, and/or does not answer the question(s) fully. Response demonstrates incomplete understanding of the topic and/or inadequate preparation.

14 to 15 Points

The information provided is accurate, giving a basic understanding of the topic(s) covered. A basic understanding is when you are able to describe the terms and concepts covered. Despite this basic understanding, initial posting may not include complete development of all aspects of the assignment.

16 to 17 Points

The information provided is accurate, displaying a good understanding of the topic(s) covered. A good understanding is when you are able to explain the terms and topics covered. Initial posting demonstrates sincere reflection and addresses most aspects of the assignment, although all concepts may not be fully developed.

18 to 20 Points

The information provided is accurate, providing an in-depth, well thought-out understanding of the topic(s) covered. An in-depth understanding provides an analysis of the information, synthesizing what is learned from the course/assigned readings.

_ out of 20

Participation in Discussion

0 Points

No responses to other classmates in this discussion forum

1 to 6 Points

May include one or more of the following:

*Comments to only one other student’s post.

*Comments are not substantive, such as just one line or saying, “Good job” or “I agree.

*Comments are off topic.

7 Points

Comments to two or more classmates’ initial posts but only on one day of the week. Comments are substantive, meaning they reflect and expand on what the other student wrote.

8 Points

Comments to two or more classmates’ initial posts on more than one day. Comments are substantive, meaning they reflect and expand on what the other student wrote.

9 to 10 Points

Comments to two or more classmates’ initial posts and to the instructor’s comment (if applicable) on more than two days. Responses demonstrate an analysis of peers’ comments, building on previous posts. Comments extend and deepen meaningful conversation and may include a follow-up question.

_ out of 10

Writing Mechanics (Spelling, Grammar, APA) and

Information Literacy

0 Points

No postings for which to evaluate language and grammar

1 to 6 Points

Numerous issues in any of the following: grammar, mechanics, spelling, use of slang, and incomplete or missing APA citations and references. If required for the assignment, did not use course, text, and/or outside readings (where relevant) to support work.

7 Points

Some spelling, grammatical, and/or structural errors. Some errors in APA formatting (citations and references). If required for the assignment, utilizes sources to support work for initial post but not comments to other students. Sources include course/text readings but outside sources (when relevant) include non-academic/authoritative, such as Wikis and .com resources.

8 Points

Minor errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling in the initial posting. Minor errors in APA formatting (citations and references). If required for the assignment, utilizes sources to support work for both the initial post and some of the comments to other students. Sources include course and text readings as well as outside sources (when relevant) that are academic and authoritative (e.g., journal articles, other text books, .gov web sites, professional organization web sites).

9 to 10 Points

Minor to no errors in grammar, mechanics, or spelling in both the initial post and comments to others. APA formatting is correct. If required for the assignment, utilizes sources to support work for both the initial post and the comments to other students. Sources include course and text readings as well as outside sources (when relevant) that are academic and authoritative (e.g., journal articles, other text books, .gov web sites, professional organization web sites).

_ out of 10

Total Score:

Comments: