This document provides a rubric for evaluating student participation in discussion boards. It assesses students on critical thinking demonstrated through reflection and new ideas supported by sources, collaboration through responding to other students and prompting further discussion, promptness in meeting deadlines, organization of ideas, and grammar/mechanics. Students can earn up to 4 points in each category for a maximum total score of 20.

1. Discussion Board Participation Rubric
Dustin Summey, Instructional Design Specialist (dsummey@uca.edu)
Instructional Development Center – University of Central Arkansas
4 3 2 1 Score
Conveys significant depth of Demonstrates some Very little original No evidence of
thought through reflection and depth of thought thought; mostly critical thinking,
new ideas supported by and may include summarizes or synthesis, or
Critical Thinking
outside readings/resources new ideas and/or restates information reflection
(optional: incorporates supporting from assigned
relevant multimedia) references reading
Participates actively by Responds to other Mostly superficial Does not respond to
responding to other posts but may not posts with little other posts or
Collaboration/ posts and contributing serve to promote engagement in interact within the
Contribution meaningful questions and/or further discussion overall discussion discussion thread
comments that prompt further
discussion
Post(s) submitted on time and Post(s) submitted 1- Post(s) submitted 3- Post(s) submitted 5+
Promptness/
early enough to engage 2 days late 4 days late days late
Deadlines
further discussion
Well-organized; logical Mostly organized Little evidence of Poorly written;
Organization
sequence of ideas and logical structure disorganized
No significant errors (two or 1-3 significant errors 4-6 significant errors Widespread
Grammar &
less minor instances) grammar and
Mechanics
mechanics errors
TOTAL SCORE: