Designing Performance Assessments
Formative Evaluative Criteria for Discussion Board Assignments
Quality of Work
Submitted
A: Exemplary Work
B: Graduate Level
Work
C: Minimal Work
B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00; B= 2.75
C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00;
C- = 1.75
The learner’s
contribution
satisfactorily meets the
assigned criteria for
contributions to the
discussions.
The learner’s
contribution is minimal
to the posting and
response deadlines.
The learner’s
contribution does not
meet the assigned
criteria
The learner takes a
leadership role in
discussions.
Regularly contributes
to collaborative
learning.
The learner interacts
frequently and
encourages others in
the community.
Occasionally, the
learner makes an
additional comment.
The learner does not
respond or responds
late to postings.
The learner
demonstrates
exemplary awareness
of the community’s
needs.
Demonstrates critical
thinking to analyze and
relate key points.
The learner
demonstrates an
awareness of the
community’s needs.
The learner makes
minimal effort to
become involved within
the community.
The learner does not
make an effort to
participate in the
community as it
develops.
Does not relate to the
assigned discussion
topic.
A= 4.00; A- = 3.75
Contribution to the
Learning Community
Initial Posting: Critical
Analysis of Issues
**May include, but not
limited to, scholarly
articles, collegial
discussions;
information from
conferences, in service,
faculty development,
and/or meetings.
Responses: Quality of
Learning for
Colleagues and Self
All of the previous,
plus the following:
The learner’s
contribution meets all
assigned criteria and
frequently prompts
further discussion of a
topic.
Supports content with
required readings or
course materials, and
may use creditable
sources** in addition to
those materials.
Relates to the assigned
discussion topic with
satisfactory evidence of
critical thinking.
Summarizes and
supports content using
information from
required readings and
course materials.
Summarizes or
restates discussion
topic components with
minimal evidence of
critical thinking skills.
Post is off topic.
F: Work Submitted
Needs Improvement
F = 1.50
Post has minimal or no
connection to course
materials.
Post does not
summarize or contain a
connection to required
readings or course
materials.
Provides specific,
constructive, and
supportive feedback to
extend colleagues’
thinking.
Provides constructive
and supportive
feedback to colleagues.
Provides general
feedback with minimal
or no connection to
required readings or
course materials.
Provides agreement
without substance or
connection to required
readings or course
materials.
Encourages continued
and more in depth
discussion.
Refers to sources from
required readings and
course materials.
Demonstrates
satisfactory evidence of
personal learning as a
result of interaction with
colleagues.
Demonstrates minimal
evidence of personal
learning as a result of
interaction with
colleagues.
Demonstrates no
evidence of personal
learning as a result of
interaction with
colleagues.
Offers additional
resources or
experiences.
Demonstrates
exemplary evidence of
personal learning as a
result of interaction with
colleagues.
Expression
Final Assignment
Grade
Provides clear, concise
opinions and ideas
effectively written in
Standard Edited
English.
Provides clear opinions
and ideas written in
Standard Edited
English.
Expression is unclear
or interrupted by errors.
Unacceptable written
expression.
Includes appropriate
APA-formatted citations
and reference list for
outside sources and
direct quotes.
A: Exemplary Work
Includes satisfactory
APA-formatted citations
and reference list for
outside sources and
direct quotes.
B: Graduate Level
Work
Includes minimal or no
APA-formatted citations
and reference list for
outside sources and
direct quotes.
C: Minimal Work
May include outside
sources and direct
quotes that lack
appropriate citations.
F: Work Submitted
but Needs
Improvement
Adapted from http://inside.waldenu.edu/c/Student_Faculty/StudentFaculty_15198.htm
**NOTE:
Students must make at least one reference to course materials in their initial posting;
however, it does not require a citation, unless it is a direct quotation. Outside sources
must be referenced if a student uses direct quotes or paraphrases from the source.
Needs Improvement