Discussion Expectations: For every discussion board forum (question) in each unit, at least three different posts (a minimum of one initial posting and two replies) must be submitted. These posts must be submitted on three different days per unit.

For example, if a given unit contains three forums, you must respond to each forum (at least once) on three different days. So, if you made a post on the three forums on three different days of the unit, for that given unit, you would have submitted nine posts. You must participate in EACH forum on three different days. For example, you may choose to post in DB 1.1, DB 1.2 and DB 1.3 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to meet the minimum expectations.

All initial postings in response to the discussion forum (question) must have no fewer than 300 words, while replies must contain a minimum of 100 words. Both original postings and replies must include in-text references (APA-formatted citations).

Failure to meet the above minimum criteria will result in an F.

You must begin posting in discussion board forums no later than Wednesday at 11:59pm EST of each unit. If initial postings are entered after this time, 15 points will be deducted. Inappropriate language that lacks suitable context will not be tolerated. Text message shorthand is not appropriate.

The instructor makes the final decision about all discussion board grades.

*Note: Per University Policy, any postings entered into discussion board threads after the close of a given unit will not be counted toward weekly expected contributions. Postings that have not been entered into discussion boards during a given unit cannot be made up at a later date.

In addition to the above criteria, the expectations noted below specify outline the desired weekly discussion board grades that must be adhered to, WITHIN EACH DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM, in order to earn all possible points. You will receive a separate grade for each forum.

Points will be deducted when all criteria for a particular grade are not met.

Human Services and Sociology Programs

Discussion Board Grading Rubric

Criteria

Levels of Achievement

A 90 – 100 points (Minimum

requirements)

B 80 – 89 points (Minimum

requirements)

C 70 – 79 points (Minimum

requirements)

D 60 – 69 points (Minimum

requirements)

F 59 or below

Response Quality 40 points

33 – 40 points: Postings and replies were excellent in their discussion of required readings, demonstrating mastery of the course material, and contained new or original thought.

25 – 32 points: Postings and replies were good in their discussion of required readings, demonstrating understanding of the course material, and contained new thought.

17 – 24 points: Postings and replies were adequate in their discussion of required readings but did not attempt to foster new or original thought.

9 – 16 points: Postings and replies were poor in their discussion of required readings and did not foster new or original thought.

0 – 8 points: Postings and replies were off- topic and contained mostly opinions with little- to-no discussion of readings OR LESS THAN THREE POSTINGS WERE SUBMITTED.

Spelling/Grammar/ APA Format 10 points

9 – 10 points: Postings and replies contain little to no errors in spelling, grammar, and/or APA format.

8 points: Postings and replies contain very few errors in spelling, grammar, and/or APA format.

7 points: Postings and replies contain more than a few errors in spelling, grammar, and/or APA format.

6 points: Postings and replies contain many errors in spelling, grammar, and/or APA format.

0 – 5 points: Postings and replies contain major errors in spelling, grammar, and/or APA format.

Post by Wednesday 15 points

15 points: Made an initial post in the forum(s) by Wednesday at 11:59 pm.

0 points: Did not make an initial post in the forum(s) by Wednesday at 11:59 pm.

Posting Schedule 15 points

15 points: Met or exceeded minimum posting schedule requirements by posting in forum(s) on THREE separate days.

0 points: Did not meet the minimum posting schedule requirements and did not post in forum(s) on THREE separate days.

Posing Questions 5 points

5 points: Submitted to your professor/ classmates a minimum of one question to generate thought- provoking discussion.

0 points: Did not submit a minimum of one question to generate thought- provoking discussion.

Supplemental Resources 5 points

5 points: TWO supplemental resources provided to support posts AND information from these sources was applied to postings with in-text

3 points: ONE supplemental resource provided to support posts AND information from these sources was applied to postings with in-text citations.

1 point: Supplemental resources provided to support posts but was not applied to the postings.

0 points: Supplemental resources were not provided.

Criteria

Levels of Achievement

A 90 – 100 points (Minimum

requirements)

B 80 – 89 points (Minimum

requirements)

C 70 – 79 points (Minimum

requirements)

D 60 – 69 points (Minimum

requirements)

F 59 or below

citations.

Word Count 10 points

10 points: Initial posting contained at least 300 words and replies contained at least 100 words.

5 points: Some postings met minimum word count requirements.

0 points: Posting(s) did not meet minimum word count requirements.