Example Scoring Guide for Online Discussions
Online Discussion Skills
Points
Contributions are prompt, timely, relevant; substantive remarks posted freely; no attempt to dominate conversation. Demonstrates good critical thinking, including logical analysis and synthesis of ideas from the reading, class activities, peer discussion, and self-reflection.
5
Generally keeps up with the discussion; needs an occasional prompting to contribute; demonstrates some critical thinking but stays at the level of summary and occasional analysis.
4
Participation is spotty; picks and chooses topics to get involved in; offers short, perfunctory postings when prompted; takes limited initiative; mostly summarizes rather than analyzes or synthesizes.
3
Participates infrequently; makes short, superficial or irrelevant remarks.
1-2

* Scoring Guide adapted from Bauer, J.F. and Anderson, R. (2000). "Evaluating Students' Written Performance in the Online Classroom." Principles of Effective Teachign in the Online Classroom. No. 84. Jossey-Bass.

Back to Laura's Teaching Page