Discussion Forum Rubric
Requirements
Students are expected to participate in all class discussion forums and demonstrate an understanding and mastery of assigned readings through active participation in the class discussion forums and activities. Prepared participation includes reading the assigned materials and answering all discussion posts thoroughly, as well as responding to other learners with professional writing skills and netiquette. 

Initial Post Requirements:

  • Your initial post must be at least 300 words. 
  • Initial discussion posts are due on Thursdays by 11:55 p.m. Central Time. 
  • Your post must show evidence of understanding and make multiple connections to the lesson and includes references in APA format.

Reply to Peers:

  • You will respond to two other learners’ discussion posts. 
  • Each response to other learners must be at least 100 words and be a "discussion post.” Responses stating, "great post,” or “I agree” are not sufficient. 
  • All responses are due by Sunday each week by 11:55 p.m. Central Time.
  • Please note that you will not see your classmates’ messages until you create your initial post.

Rubric: 25 points

Criteria Exemplary Developing Poor
Timeliness Student contributed their initial posting by the Thursday evening deadline. Student’s initial post contributed Friday PM. Student’s initial post contributed Saturday or Sunday.
Responses to Classmates Peer posts elicit responses and reflections from other learners and builds upon and integrates multiple views from other learners to take the discussion deeper. Peer posts attempt to elicit responses and reflections from other learners and builds upon and integrates a view from another learner. Peer posts do not attempt to elicit responses and reflections from other learners and/or does not build upon the ideas of other learners to take the discussion deeper.
Response is Reflective of Material Being Covered Submits a post that markedly reflects the material being covered in the lesson. Submits a post that reflects the material being covered in the lesson. Does not submit a post that reflects the material being covered in the lesson.
Quality of Discussion: Demonstrates understanding of content and includes APA references Post shows evidence of understanding and makes multiple connections to the lesson and includes references in APA format. Post shows evidence of understanding and makes a connection to the lesson and attempts to use APA format. Post shows no or limited evidence of understanding of the assignment and does not reference content of lesson.