Graduate Discussion Rubric
Overview
Your active participation in the discussions is essential to your overall success this term. Discussion questions will help you make meaningful connections
between the course content and the larger concepts of the course. These discussions give you a chance to express your own thoughts, ask questions, and gain
insight from your peers and instructor.
Directions
For each discussion, you must create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.
For your initial post, do the following:
 Write a post of 1 to 2 paragraphs.
 In Module One, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
 In Modules Two through Ten, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
 Consider content from other parts of the course where appropriate. Use proper citation methods for your discipline when referencing scholarly or
popular sources.
For your response posts, do the following:
 Reply to at least two classmates outside of your own initial post thread.
 In Module One, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
 In Modules Two through Ten, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
 Demonstrate more depth and thought than saying things like “I agree” or “You are wrong.” Guidance is provided for you in the discussion prompt.
Rubric
Critical Elements Exemplary Proficient Needs Improvement Not Evident Value
Comprehension Develops an initial post with an
organized, clear point of view or
idea using rich and significant
detail (100%)
Develops an initial post with a
point of view or idea using
appropriate detail (90%)
Develops an initial post with a
point of view or idea but with
some gaps in organization and
detail (70%)
Does not develop an initial post
with an organized point of view
or idea (0%)
20
Timeliness N/A Submits initial post on time
(100%)
Submits initial post one day late
(70%)
Submits initial post two or more
days late (0%)
10
Engagement Provides relevant and
meaningful response posts with
clarifying explanation and detail
(100%)
Provides relevant response
posts with some explanation
and detail (90%)
Provides somewhat relevant
response posts with some
explanation and detail (70%)
Provides response posts that are
generic with little explanation or
detail (0%)
20
Critical Elements Exemplary Proficient Needs Improvement Not Evident Value
Critical Thinking Draws insightful conclusions
that are thoroughly defended
with evidence and examples
(100%)
Draws informed conclusions
that are justified with evidence
(90%)
Draws logical conclusions (70%) Does not draw logical
conclusions (0%)
30
Writing (Mechanics) Initial post and responses are
easily understood, clear, and
concise using proper citation
methods where applicable with
no errors in citations (100%)
Initial post and responses are
easily understood using proper
citation methods where
applicable with few errors in
citations (90%)
Initial post and responses are
understandable using proper
citation methods where
applicable with a number of
errors in citations (70%)
Initial post and responses are
not understandable and do not
use proper citation methods
where applicable (0%)
20
Total 100%