iRubric: Sidewalk Café Commentary rubric

Says nothing of substance.

Does little more than compliment the author, express agreement, or otherwise add nothing significant requiring understanding of course material or serious reflection. No consideration of alternatives.

Adds something to the original discussion, but contribution is largely based on writer's opinion, with no evidence of bringing course content to bear on the question, of serious critical thinking, etc. Little consideration of alternatives.

Adds to the discussion by bringing in additional course material and serious, personal reflections but without much insight or critical thought. Shows understanding of alternative views.

Incisive and insightful critical observations based on course materials, scholarly literature, and serious, deep reflection. Not only shows understanding of alternative views, but evaluates them cogently.

Inadequate; insufficient information. Substantially off-topic. Grossly misinterprets the subject. Demonstrates no knowledge of the subject or important issues pertaining to it.

Barely covers the topic; little indication of conventional knowledge of the subject. Misunderstands most concepts it uses.

Average; uses terms without demonstrated understanding of key aspects of the subject or important debates. Misunderstands one or more important concepts.

Good evidence of understanding important related concepts and different sides of debates.

High quality; full and thorough coverage; logically sound; implications well covered; sensitive to nuances. Identifies all relevant concepts and debates, interprets them correctly, and applies them well.