Discussion Board (DB) Participation Rubric

Discussion Board (DB) Participation Rubric
Discussion boards (DBs) are what make an online course a course and not an independent study. DBs are vital to demonstrating that the learner has met the expected course level outcomes. Collaboration between peers and your instructor in the DB is an important aspect of the online learning experience and is expected in the course. Any exceptions to the following DB rubric will be at the instructor’s discretion.

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The purpose of a DB is to stimulate critical thinking in a scholarly manner. Critical thinking consists of synthesis, creating solutions, application to real world situations, and testing, debating, and defending evidence-based solutions. Critical thinking is not repetition of assigned reading material. Outside research of the literature is a vital part of the DB. Posts need to be substantive. This means that responses such as “I agree” or “great post” do not meet grading rubric requirements.

Initial posts for each discussion question (DQ) is due no later than Saturday of the unit week. The initial post must be an answer to the DQ topic, not a comment on other posts. Initial posts for each DB must also include a minimum of three peer-reviewed citations. Citations must include outside sources and no more than one citation from assigned course readings may be used each week. Additionally, comments should also include a citation to support assertions. While the eCollege discussion board tool limits the ability to use APA formatting (e.g., hanging indents), posts must include the required elements of an APA in-text citation and list of references.