Grading Discussions Guidelines

 

Assume that you are having students critique an article or controversial topic.

You might give them the following guidelines as a checklist before discussion begins.

  • Contribute at least twice a week to the discussion
  • Contribute new and relevant information
  • Challenge a peer's comments (support your reason)
  • Ask for clarification
  • Answer another student's questions
  • Comments must not be just "I agree" or " I disagree" (Explain why agree/disagree)

 

Faculty should let students know the value points and dates for the discussions:

  • Post the point value for iniitial post to the discussion
  • Post the point value for contibuting to peers in the discussion
  • Give students dates on when the discussion will close

 

 

 

This gives the students flexibility in how they will participate. Your role as the instructor/facilitator is to get the ball rolling, and then stand back. You step in only when the discussion falters or needs direction. You might pose a question to infuse new energy or correct misinformation in the discussion.

 

TIP: Give dates to student on when to post initial post. For Example... Post from Saturday to Tuesday, have students post their inital discussion topic. From Wednesday to Friday, have students reply to 3 students. This gives students guidelines on when to post their initial post and when to reply to other students.