Application and Content. (Apply critical thinking and analysis to demonstrate an understanding of lesson topics.)

18 – 20 points

– Thoroughly answered the discussion question(s) and replied with clear, well-developed, and meaningful thoughts.

– All critical points were addressed individually and supported by evidence of having read the assigned course readings and applying the majority of the basic concepts in the initial post.

– Relevant ideas or practical experiences are used to emphasize the understanding of the discussion topic(s).

16 – 17 points

– Answered the discussion question(s) and replied with clear, well-developed, and meaningful thoughts.

– Most critical points were addressed individually and supported by evidence of having read the assigned course reading sand applying some of the basic concepts in the initial post.

– Relevant ideas or practical experiences are used to emphasize understanding of the discussion topic(s).

14 – 15 points

– Answered most of the discussion question(s), but not fully developed to demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

– Some critical points were addressed individually, but not supported by evidence of having read the assigned course readings and applying basic concepts in the initial post.

– Relevant ideas or practical experiences were absent or limited.

12 – 13 points

– Partially answered the discussion question(s) by identifying the main topic(s), but lacked elements of critical thinking and analysis.

– The points addressed were not clear or well-developed.

– Relevant ideas or practical experience(s) were not provided.

– Evidence of having read the assigned course readings was not clearly demonstrated.

0 – 11 points

– Insufficiently answered the discussion question(s).

– The points addressed inadequately addressed the topic.

– Relevant ideas and practical experience(s) were not provided.

– The points discussed lacked evidence of having read the assigned course readings.

Engagement and Participation. (Encourage further discussion from peers and provide meaningful contribution on the topic. Participate in a respectful manner, with appropriate length and punctuality.)

18 – 20 points

– Engaged in the discussion forum by offering extended or in-depth posts and generating relevant conversations and questions among peers.

– Participated multiple days throughout the week. Met deadlines, and exceeded the participation guidelines.

16 – 17 points

– Engaged in the discussion forum by offering substantive posts and generating relevant conversations or questions among peers.

– Participated multiple days throughout the week. Met deadlines and exceeded the participation guidelines.

14 – 15 points

– Engaged in the discussion forum by offering satisfactory posts, but did not promote further conversations or questions among peers.

– Participated multiple days throughout the week. Met deadlines and the participation guidelines.

12 – 13 points

– Engagement was lacking in the discussion forum. The posts did not generate relevant conversations or questions among the peers.

– Participated multiple times during the week, but did not meet the deadlines or participation guidelines.

0 – 11 points

– The posts were not engaging, and prevented others from participating in a discussion that added value to the forum.

– Participated at least once during the week, but did not meet the deadlines and participation guidelines.

Clarity and Organization. (Present well-reasoned, organized, and structured ideas, with an appropriate use of writing style.)

9 – 10 points

– Paragraphs and sentences are well-developed, properly formatted, and contain a strong topic sentence.

– All arguments and point(s) presented are consistent, clear, and concise.

– Exceptional use of grammar, and free of spelling, punctuation, or other mechanical errors.

– All references used are identified by proper in-text citations and are listed at the bottom of the post(s).

8 points

– Paragraphs are well-developed, properly formatted, and include a topic sentence.

– Most arguments and point(s) presented are consistent, clear, and concise.

– Outstanding use of grammar, and free of spelling, punctuation, or other mechanical errors.

– Most references used are identified by proper in-text citations and are listed at the bottom of the post(s).

7 points

– Paragraphs are adequately developed, but lack a topic sentence.

– Insufficient clarity and inconsistencies are present in argument(s) and post(s).

– Adequate use of grammar with minimal spelling, punctuation, or other mechanical errors.

– References used are identified and are listed at the bottom of the post(s).

6 points

– Paragraphs and sentences are underdeveloped and disorganized.

– It is difficult to determine the argument(s) and point(s) being presented.

– Inadequate use of grammar, and frequent spelling, punctuation and other mechanical errors.

– References used are not identified or listed at the bottom of the post(s).

0 – 5 points

– Paragraphs and sentences are incomplete.

– The argument(s) and point(s) being presented are not relevant to the discussion topic.

– Unacceptable use of grammar, and frequent spelling, punctuation and other mechanical errors.

– References are not identified or listed at the bottom of the post(s).