***********************************
I think it is possible to convey the importance of the discussion without having an all or nothing grading scheme. Indeed, when there are high stakes assignments in classes, studies show that tends to lead to more plagiarism. So you might get more engaged and authentic work if you grade based on the quality of the interactions and increased the chance that they would get at least some credit for their efforts.
In my discussions (worth 30% of the grade) I give about 50% of the credit for simply making the minimum posts (1 main post and 3 replies on at least 3 different days). The remaining credit is based on the quality of their interactions, which I judge based on a fairly simple rubric (pasted below).
Additionally, I provide model posts from students in previous quarters, so students have a clear idea of what good work looks like. I also post announcements pointing out quality posts (I do in in announcements because I do not generally participate in the discussion board).
In the first two weeks of the class, I give very detailed feedback individually on each student’s post. This is a lot of work, but by week 3, everyone knows what is expected and grading is a breeze for the rest of the quarter.
Discussion Rubric:
SCORE:
INITIAL POSTING (15 points):
* This posting reflected that the student read and understood the assigned material, referring specifically to assigned reading or related research - Yes
* The posting has a clear purpose: to inform, persuade, or raise an interesting question. It may also provoke conversation or offer an opposing view of the devil's advocate - Yes
* The posting refers to outside sources in supporting its arguments - Yes
* The post answered the question presented, meets the word requirement of 150 to 350 words, is timely and has no proofing or spelling errors - Yes
REPLIES: (15 points, 3 x 5 posts)
* Replies are substantive and reflect that the student read and thought about the student’s post, the assigned reading and any additional sources posted by the person they are replying to - Yes
* The reply moves the conversation forward or makes a reply to a question asked in response to their own posting - Yes
* Replies are timely and posted on a variety of days – Yes
Overall (points deducted if missing)
* Posts are made on 3 or more days
* Student replies to some of the replies to the initial post
