Discussion Guidelines and Rubric

Question

Directions: Use the information below as a guide for participating in discussion
assessments.
Discussions are an interactive feature of an online course. In discussions, you can
share conclusions, analyze concepts, and clarify ideas with classmates. You will
have the opportunity to affirm one another’s work and synthesize ideas.
To promote a safe and thoughtful forum for discussion, follow these guidelines
when posting comments.
• Respect diversity. Families and individuals bring with them diverse
backgrounds, faiths, and values. You must strive to respect all of them.
• Keep it clean and safe. Refrain from using any language or posting any
material that could be construed as threatening, profane, or inappropriate.
• Think before you post. It is proper netiquette to avoid using all caps, since
it is a form of yelling. Since it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the tone
and intent of an author in electronic communication, think before writing
your response. Ask for clarification if you are unsure of the meaning of a
comment. Do not include external links in any posting.
The rubric on the following page identifies the qualities of an excellent, a
satisfactory, and a poor response. When you respond to your classmates, you are
expected to go beyond “I agree” or “I disagree.” Include facts to support your
answer. You may also question a response and ask for additional clarification,
support, or insight on the topic.
A persuasive response varies in length depending on the question; a paragraph is
appropriate in most cases. If you are writing only one sentence to contribute to the
discussion, you may want to consider your response more carefully. Also keep in
mind that while citing evidence is essential, it’s best to write concisely and avoid
redundancy

Answer 1

Discussion Guidelines and Rubric

Purpose of Discussions

Discussions in online courses serve as a platform for sharing insights, analyzing concepts, and clarifying ideas collaboratively. The goal is to create a space where participants can affirm one another’s contributions and synthesize diverse perspectives.

Guidelines for Participation

1. Respect Diversity

   • Recognize and honor the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values that each participant brings to the discussion. Avoid making assumptions based on these differences.

2. Maintain Professionalism

   • Use appropriate language and refrain from sharing any content that could be perceived as threatening, profane, or unsuitable for academic discourse.

3. Be Thoughtful in Communication

   • Think critically about your contributions. Avoid using all capital letters as it can be interpreted as shouting. Given the nuances of written communication, consider how your tone may be perceived and seek clarification if needed.

4. Avoid External Links

   • Focus on engaging with the content of the discussion rather than directing peers to external resources. This ensures that the conversation remains grounded in the shared understanding of the topic.

Response Expectations

• Responses should exceed simple affirmations such as "I agree" or "I disagree." Aim to engage thoughtfully by including facts, asking questions, or seeking clarification where necessary.

• A well-crafted response typically comprises a paragraph, articulating your points clearly and concisely.

• While supporting evidence is valuable, strive for conciseness and avoid unnecessary repetition.

Rubric for Evaluating Responses

| Criteria | Excellent Response | Satisfactory Response | Poor Response | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Engagement | Actively engages with the topic; offers deep insights and analysis. | Engages with the topic, but lacks depth or critical analysis. | Minimal engagement with the topic; fails to add value. | | Respectfulness | Fully respects diverse perspectives and encourages open dialogue. | Mostly respectful but may overlook nuances in diversity. | Disrespectful or dismissive of others’ views.| | Clarity and Focus | Responses are clear, focused, and well-articulated. | Responses are generally clear but may lack focus or depth. | Responses are confusing or unfocused. | | Support for Claims| Provides strong evidence or reasoning to support claims; cites relevant examples or concepts. | Provides some support, but it may be weak or not clearly articulated. | Lacks evidence or reasoning; statements are unsubstantiated. |

By adhering to these guidelines, we can foster a supportive and enriching learning environment.