Discussion Board Grading Expectations & Rubric
Participation in the discussion forums is critical for maximizing student learning
experiences in online classes. In these courses, students are expected to be part of an
online community of learners who collectively interact, through discussion, to enhance the
learning experience. Part of the assessment criteria for the course is based on the quality
and quantity of your participation in discussion forums.
As the instructor, I will facilitate student discussions but I will not always address every
single post. In most cases, I might share a related idea, intervene when the discussion goes
off-subject, or tie student comments together to help deepen student understanding of the
subject matter. Discussions will be checked frequently, but there will be no set timetable.
Below are some basic expectations for posting to discussion forums:
 Submit initial posts early in the session, and subsequent responses to the posts of
other learners at timely intervals throughout the duration of the session The goal is
to have a dynamic discussion around the topic that last throughout the entire
session.
 Posts should be within a minimum range of 100-150 words.
 Make sure all posts and responses address the question, problem, or topic presented
for discussion…stay focused on the topic.
 When relevant, try to add to the discussion with examples from your prior
knowledge, experiences, references, websites, etc.
 Posts need to be grammatically correct.
Unsatisfactory-1
Satisfactory-3
Exemplary-5
Quantity & Timeliness
Does not submit at
least one initial
response early in the
session and/or does not
submit a peer
response.
Submits at least one
initial response early
in the session and a
peer response closer to
the end of the session.
Demonstrates
Knowledge &
Understanding of
Content
Posts and responses
show little evidence of
knowledge or
understanding of
course content or the
specific topic.
Posts are submitted in
complete sentences but
have several
grammatical errors.
Posts and responses
show evidence of
knowledge and
understanding of
course content or the
specific topic.
Posts are submitted in
complete sentences
with minor
grammatical errors.
Submits one fully
developed initial
response early in the
session and at least
one thoughtful
response later in the
session.
Posts and responses
show thorough
evidence of knowledge
and understanding of
course content or the
specific topic.
Posts are submitted
with complete
sentences that show
variety and complexity
and use of varied
vocabulary.
Spelling & Mechanics