Grading for discussion board postings

Contribution to discussion topics over the course will be graded as follows:

0
1
2
3

Not participating or not adding to knowledge (such as just saying I agree.) Rude or
inappropriate comments. First contributions submitted after the deadline.
Contributions which explore the topic by presenting well reasoned explanations,
conclusions or opinions
Contributions which add to the topic by presenting new material or relevant examples
and providing analysis linking the material to the discussion
Contributions as above that also show evidence of further reading on the topic.

NB. The grades are for each discussion forum not each posting. You can post as many
times as you want to in each forum, but aim for quality rather than quantity.

Policies for discussion board postings

Postings must relate to the topic thread. If you want to chat off topic with your fellow
students, use the Coffee Break forum. If you have an off-topic question for me, email
me. If you have a general course-related question and you think others may be
interested in the answer, or may be able to help use the Questions and answers
forum.
Postings must use appropriate language and tone and be respectful to other users.
Postings must use full words and sentences.
The first few discussion boards will be fairly structured so that students dont have to
worry about what they should say. You can however expand the discussion from
these pointers as long as the thread remains on-topic.
The first contribution to a topic should be posted by 5pm (EST) on the due date.