Online Discussion Rubric

See the Reply and Evaluation Rubric if your assignment is to respond to and evaluate the discussions of your fellow students.

Points

Assessment of Contribution

Superior 9-10

The historian's job is to explain the past--not merely to tell a story or list facts.
  1. Shows deep, critical thinking and knowledge of all required readings.
  2. Includes at least three well-focused, topical paragraphs, intro and conclusion optional unless specified in the assignment.
  3. Every paragraph integrates evidence [direct quotations] from three or more different primary sources.
  4. Identifies clearly each source, using author, short title, and date. You may use parenthetical references (Juarez, "Mexican Problems," 1846) or footnotes]
  5. Includes critical, interpretive analysis of the quoted material from each source.
  6. Uses proper "voice" and tense. Role playing assignments require first person and present tense. Standard historical questions require past tense and active-tense verbs.
  7. Meets length requirement of 500-700 words and utilizes the total number of different sources required.

Average 6-8

 Likely Deductions:
  1. Repeats basic, correct descriptions but does not link analytical commentary to the primary sources nor provide critical analysis of the evidence.
  2. Fails to integrate three or more different primary sources into every paragraph.
  3. Fails to organize major points into at least 3 major paragraphs.
  4. Fails to cite sources clearly or to meet the minimum for length or number of sources.
  5. Typos, grammatical errors, failure to inject a blank line (hit Enter key twice) between paragraphs.

Needs Work 5 or less

Minimal: Limited understanding and engagement of the interpretive historical issues. Required number of readings not included. Weak organization. Little or no evidence of having done the reading. Major lapses in several rubric areas [see superior traits above].

0 Points

 Did not submit the assignment or submitted it late.
  • It is university policy at NCSU that students take greater responsibility for their own learning. I cannot "justify" or explain every grades assigned on specific discussions. I don't have time. YOU must examine your own work, compare it with that of others [read other postings], and consider the requirements above. For individual feedback, use the system for "improving discussions" on the how to page.