Discussion forums are a significant part of online courses, but only 66% of respondents say that forums are engaging, highlighting an opportunity for improvement. (Learning House, 2019)Most of us have been there both as student and instructor. How do you ignite a cold discussion board so that it invites all attendees to not just participate, but genuinely and with authenticity?
This discussion board grading rubric has proven helpful in multiple disciplines and academic fields. The benefits of this linear rubric are:
- It invites timeliness, often lacking in traditional discussion assignments. Late participation makes engagement nearly impossible. The early bird gets the worm!
- Even latecomers can score points, but they have to work for them. In order to add to the discussion, one has to have done the reading as well as processed all posts to date. There's lots of cognition built into that analytic process of determining what they can add or ask.
- It's simple to understand and a breeze to use while grading.
- It transforms a collection of traditional soliloquy or monologue-style discussion posts into interactive discussions more likely to prepare students for professional discussions around meetings or conferences.
If you have questions about making your discussions more engaging, please send an email to helpdesk@uah.edu for assistance. Please specify if your course is on-ground, hybrid, or online for the most appropriate and fastest response.
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