iRubric: Rubric for Discussion and Critical Thinking Posts

Student did not attempt activity

Discussion postings show little or no evidence that readings were completed or understood. Postings are largely personal opinions or feelings, or "I agree" or "Great idea", without supporting statements with concepts from the readings, outside resources, relevant research, or specific real-life application.

Discussion postings repeat and summarize basic, correct information, but do not link readings to outside references, relevant research or specific real-life application and do not consider alternative perspectives or connections between ideas. Sources are not cited.
Simplistic analysis of a complex issue; minimal understanding of differing approaches to data

Discussion postings display an understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts including correct use of terminology and proper citation.
Evaluates the primary aspects of central debates from multiple perspectives.

Discussion postings display an excellent understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts including correct use of terminology. Postings integrate an outside resource, or relevant research, or specific real-life application to support important points. Well-edited quotes are cited appropriately. No more than 10% of the posting is a direct quotation.
Skillfully evaluates central debates and multiple perspectives, examining different interpretations of data

Student did not attempt activity

Offers no personal perspective or a perspective that is incoherent, illogical, or contradictory

Offers a perspective that is only minimally supported with factual information

Offers a well-reasoned perspective that includes some factual information

Offers a well-reasoned and extensively factually-supported perspectives and comments on central debates