Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
Formative Evaluative Criteria for Discussion Blog Assignments
Quality of Work Submitted | A: Exemplary Work A= 4.00; A- = 3.75 All of the previous, plus the following: | B: Graduate Level Work B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00; B- = 2.75 | C: Minimal Work C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00; C- = 1.75 | F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable F = 1.00 |
Contribution to the Learning Community | The student’s contribution exceeds assigned criteria and frequently prompts further discussion of a topic. The student takes a leadership role in discussions. Actively contributes to collaborative learning. The student demonstrates awareness of the community’s needs. | The student’s contribution meets the assigned criteria for contributions to the discussions. The student interacts freely and encourages others in the community. The student demonstrates some awareness of the community’s needs. | The student’s contribution is perfunctory to the posting and response deadlines. Occasionally, the student makes an additional comment. The student makes minimal effort to become involved with the community. | The student’s contribution does not meet the assigned criteria The student does not respond to postings until after the due date. The student does not make an effort to participate in the community as it develops. |
Initial Posting: Critical Analysis of Issues **May include, but are not limited to, scholarly articles, collegial discussions; information from conferences, in service, faculty development, and/or meetings. | Demonstrates critical thinking to analyze and relate key points. Supports content with course videos or required readings, and may use creditable sources** in addition to course videos or required readings | Relates to the assigned discussion topic with evidence of critical thinking. Summarizes but does not support content using information from course videos or required readings. | Summarizes or restates discussion topic components without evidence of higher order thinking skills. Post is off topic. Post has little connection to course materials. | Does not relate to the assigned discussion topic. Post contains no connection to course videos or required readings. |
Responses: Quality of Learning for Colleagues and Self | Provide specific, constructive, and supportive feedback to extend colleagues’ thinking. Encourage continued and deeper discussion. Offer additional resources or experiences. | Provide specific, constructive, and supportive feedback to colleagues. Refer to sources from course videos or required readings. Demonstrate evidence of personal learning as a result of interaction with colleagues. | Provide general feedback with little or no connection to course videos or required readings. Demonstrate little evidence of personal learning as a result of interaction with colleagues. | Provide agreement without substance or connection to course videos or required reading. Demonstrate no evidence of personal learning as a result of interaction with colleagues. |
Expression | Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas effectively written in Standard Edited English. | Provides clear opinions and ideas written in Standard Edited English. | Expression is unclear or interrupted by errors. | Unacceptable written expression. |
Final Assignment Grade | A: Exemplary Work | B: Graduate Level Work | C: Minimal Work | F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable |
The Discussion Blog is intended to foster a dynamic, flowing discussion that stems from students’ engagement with course materials, one another, and faculty. Students are expected to ground their ideas and responses to one another in the course materials, in their own experience, and when relevant, in additional outside references.
**NOTE: The use of outside sources is not required for Discussion Board postings. Students must make at least one reference to course materials in their initial posting; however, it does not require a citation, unless it is a direct quotation. Outside sources must be referenced if a student uses direct quotes or paraphrases from the source.
Since all classmates of the online blog have access to the same course materials, an allusion to an idea found in the course materials does not require an in-text citation with an accompanying reference list. However, a verbatim quote of language from any source, including course material, does require an in-text citation according to MLA style (including the page number[s] of the quote) and an accompanying reference list. (Wherever there is a citation, full bibliographic information for that source must be provided in an accompanying reference list). We are aware that the blog prevents exact MLA formatting; however, students should make every effort to present information correctly.
Also, any outside sources (e.g. personal communication, published material, electronic websites, or electronic articles) -- whether an allusion to an idea, a paraphrase, or a direct quote – should be cited on the Discussion Blog with an accompanying reference list.
It is expected that required Blog postings and responses will be submitted to meet the assignment due date as postings and responses to colleagues after the due date do little to foster the purposes of discussion in a community of learners. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the faculty member if contacted by the student prior to the due date describing extenuating circumstances.
