Forums:Per APUS policy, forums are core curriculum, educational items

APUS Forum Participation
Forums:Per APUS policy, forums are core
curriculum, educational items and they are graded events. Forums are not chat
rooms; they are there to stimulate the topic. Classroom discussions
account for a portion of your overall grade. Additionally, since these are
graded events, APA citations (for direct quotes), spelling, grammar, and
structure are a necessity (APA format is required.) Finally,
Forums should always pertain to the assigned topic only. Chats should
occur in the chat room.
Evaluation Criteria for grading
Forums:

Score

Criteria

Exemplary

Competent

Beginning

40%

Synthesis
of Concepts

Response
shows a clear understanding of main ideas and mentions at least three
concepts from the required weekly readings. There are no irrelevant comments
and the information is on point. The response provides examples that tie in
with the course material being discussed.

Your
Score Range (35-40 points)

Response
shows a clear understanding of main ideas and mentions at least one concept
from the required weekly readings. There are no irrelevant comments and the
information is generally on point.

Your
Score Range (20-34 points)

Response
generally mentions a topic from the weekly readings, but does not clearly
mention concepts from the required weekly readings. Argument lacks detail and
there are some irrelevant comments present.

Your
Score Range (< 20 points) 30% Discussion Participation Responded to more than four classmates. Responses are two or three paragraphs, demonstrate careful analysis of other’s opinions, and incorporate several terms, concepts or theories from the required readings. Your Score Range (25-30 points) Responded to at least two classmates. Responses were at least a courteous paragraph, formed a counter-argument or supported another student’s answer, and incorporated one or two terms, concepts or theories from the required readings. Your Score Range (15-24 points) Minimal interaction with classmates. Responses lacked a topic sentence with logically supporting sentences and did not incorporate terms, concepts or theories from the required readings. Your Score Range (< 15 points) 10% Diverse Sources Used more than 3 sources outside of the required reading for research. Your Score Range (10 points) Used at least two sources outside of the required reading for research. Your Score Range (5-9 points) Used one or no sources outside of the required reading for research. Your Score Range (< 5 points) 20% Writing Standards Response is free of grammatical errors and made proper reference to the course text or to other materials that were used in the discussion. Statements are well organized with a clear thesis statement and concluding thoughts. Sources cited in correct APA format Your Score Range (16-20 points) Response is generally free of grammatical errors and includes proper citations. Statements are clear with a thesis defined, though a few points may be out of place or confusing. Your Score Range (10-15 points) Response has numerous grammatical errors and lacks proper citations. Statements are disorganized; perhaps with a general structure defined, but stream of logic lost in the argument. Your Score Range (< 10 points) Forum Guidelines: Initial responses to the discussion board postings should include the following three elements at a minimum: (1) Your original opinion or thought about the question (2) Evidence that backs up your point of view (references, cited in APA format) (3) Demonstration that you are connecting the dots, that you are using critical analysis skills. Two ways to do this are by providing examples that relate to your life/work or providing an analogy that relates to the discussion topic. Substantive responses to classmates should include at a minimum the following three elements: (1) Your answer or item of interest relating to another student's posting (2) Evidence or facts or analysis that leads you in a new direction (3) A reference to the post to which you are referring. **See grading rubric for more precise illustration of what is expected. Forum Postings: The key requirement is to support your analysis using the terms, concepts and theories from the required readings in order to demonstrate to me that you understand the material. The real value in the Forum comes from your application of the required readings and how you assess your classmates’ perceptions of that knowledge. I encourage you to insert your opinions and real world experiences. One of the great benefits of online discussions is that students from diverse cultures and backgrounds can share different perspectives and learn from one another. It is perfectly acceptable to disagree with your classmate(s) but you must respond in a courteous and respectful manner that enhances the learning process for everyone by using the terms, models, theories, and concepts contained in the required readings. For example, “Joe, I disagree (or I agree) with your position on Bill’s leadership style because - - -.” Please refrain from critiquing the structure or spelling of your classmates’ posts – that is the job of the instructor. Your responses to your classmates are due as soon as possible, but not later than Sunday evening of the week that the Forum Question opens. Forum posts made after the current week is over will not be given credit. Keep in mind, the earlier you are able to post, the further the discussion can develop. You may respond multiple times to a Forum as a continuous discussion with points and counter points.