Discussion Board Rubric

Bill Pelz, Professor at Herkimer County Community College offers an excellent class discussion rubric. (Used with permission) Each discussion post is graded according to the following rubric:

Points Interpretation Grading Criteria
4 Excellent (A) The comment is accurate, original, relevant, teaches us something new,
and is well written. Four point comments add substantial teaching
presence to the course, and stimulate additional thought about the issue
under discussion.
3 Above Average (B) The comment lacks at least one of the above qualities, but is above
average in quality. A three point comment makes a significant contribution
to our understanding of the issue being discussed.
2 Average (C) The comment lacks two or three of the required qualities. Comments which are based upon personal opinion or personal experience often fall within this category.
1 Minimal (D) The comment presents little or no new information. However, one point comments may provide important social presence and contribute to a collegial atmosphere.
0 Unacceptable The comment adds no value to the discussion.
No penalty Excellent Subject The subject field is a complete sentence, and conveys the main point of
the comment. The reader clearly understands the main point of the
comment before reading it.
1 point Minimal Subject The subject field provides key word(s) only. The reader knows the general
penalty area that the comment deals with.
2 point Subject field is unacceptable The subject field provides little or no information about the comment.
penalty