Develop a grading rubric that encourages class discussion, one that makes the composition of postings pleasant and informative, but also a rubric that is not overwhelming for the instructor to use when it becomes time to grade.

Course Structure and Grading Criteria for effective discussion board utilization:

1. Instructors need to develop grading rubrics that indicate that the length of the posting needs to be adequate (rather than specifying a specific number of words) but of high quality. Posting quality needs to be weighed heavier than posting quantity.
2. The class must be structured in a way to encourage and reward discussion. If a course is structured to be no more than a series of assignments for students to turn in each week, there will be little interactivity.
3. Make class participation part of the course grade. Base a percentage (maybe 20%) of the course grade on class participation. Make clear that this grade will be assigned not only based on the number of times a student speaks, but also upon the quality of what is being said. This discourages students from posting comments that do not contribute to the discussion. Make your expectations clear. Students will hesitate to contribute to the discussion if they're unsure of how to do so.
4. Develop a rubric to evaluate student use of the discussion board.
5. Instructors need to plan effective topics and questions for discussion.

Download Sample Rubrics -PDF | Word Doc