OERA Discussion Forum Expectations


Criteria
Exceeds Expectation
Meets Expectation
Does Not Meet Expectation
Relevance
Posting responds directly to the discussion question and includes pertinent, connected or applicable information Posting responds directly to the discussion question Posting does not respond directly to the discussion question
Use of Examples
Posting makes thoughtful references to previous or current session material and/ or relevant personal experiences Posting includes at least one reference to session material and/ or relevant personal experiences Posting does not include any references to session material or relevant personal experiences
Contribution to Learning Community
Posting offers critical analysis of a key theme or existing post(s) which deepens or extends the conversation Posting engages with ideas from the session or the perspectives of fellow participants and makes a positive contribution to the conversation Posting does not critically engage with key ideas from the session or the perspectives of fellow participants
Comprehension
It is evident from the posting that the participant understands the discussion question and the key ideas from the session material. In addition, the participant employs higher order thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) when responding to the discussion question It is evident from the posting that the participant understands the discussion question and the general ideas referenced in the session material It is not evident from the posting that the participant understands either the discussion question or the ideas referenced in the session material
Written Quality
Posting has a coherent structure and the flow of the writing is easily understood. Posting is grammatically correct with no spelling errors Posting has a coherent structure and the flow of the writing is easily understood. Posting has only one or two grammatical or spelling errors Posting does not have a coherent structure and the flow of the writing is hard to follow. Posting has multiple grammatical or spelling errors
Timeliness
Two or more postings are made on at least two different days; at least one posting is made early enough in the discussion period to allow time for others to read and respond Two or more postings are made on only one day; at least one posting is made early enough in the discussion period to allow time for others to read and respond Two or more postings are made on only one day; postings are late in the discussion period and may not allow time for others to read and respond
Tone
Posting has a positive, supportive and professional tone Posting has elements of a positive, supportive or professional tone Posting is negative or flat in tone
 
Ideas for strengthening the discussion

  • When introducing a new thought/concept/introduction, be sure to start by adding a new thread.
  • The subject line is important. When starting a new thread, make
    sure to create a subject line that both clues in the reader and catches
    the eye of your audience.
  • When replying to a note, leave the “re:” portion of the subject line, but feel free to edit the subject line to express how you are extending the conversation. This way everyone can get a quick glance at the direction of the conversation within a thread without actually opening each posting.
  • Make a habit of replying to more people than required in the assignments. As experienced online learners know, the goal is to advance the knowledge of the group and this comes from active conversation.
  • Post your initial ideas early in the session and come back frequently to read and respond to colleagues’ ideas.

 

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Last Updated: May 2012