Module Discussion Guidelines and Grading Rubric

Discussion Guidelines

• The discussion contributes to an important part of your grade.
• Points are earned by adding to the discussion and responding to questions of the instructor and other students.
• The instructor will review the discussion comments and rate them either as opinion, questions, chit-chat (which is acceptable and important in group discussions, but not sufficient to earn credit) or as contributing to discussion matter in a thoughtful way.
• The length or amount of discussion that each student contributes are not the criterion.
• The depth of knowledge conveyed is the main criterion.
• Your posts should be distributed during the discussion period.
• The first post addressing the discussion question is due on the Thursday of each module unless otherwise specified. 
• Responses to peer discussions should be spaced to allow for discussion.
• Do not wait until the last minute to participate. It is challenging to have a discussion when class members wait until the last minute to post their initial answer and/or responses.
• Discussion questions are mechanisms to stimulate critical thinking.
• If you do agree or disagree with a posting, state why you agree/disagree. Support your statement with concepts from the textbook, readings, or web sites.
• You could also illustrate research concepts from clinical practice experiences.
• Build on the responses of others.
• When using outside resources, summarize rather than copying the entire document.
• Reference where you obtained the information (APA not required for postings).

Grading Criteria

• One initial post that addresses the discussion questions
• Two responses to peer posts

Source: https://confluence.bethel.edu/display/TLT/Moodle+-+Forum+Grading+-+Rubric+Method