Discussions–Grader’s Advice

While grading the discussions, I am noticing that the majority of the students are simply summarizing what their chosen articles say rather than weighing their personal input into the discussion thread. The purpose of these assignments to identify what the student finds the most interesting and what they are confused about, rather than reiterating the information contained in the articles? If I wanted to know what the articles said, I would just read them myself.

The interesting/confusing discussions should also be kept within the realm of the weekly topic. For example, being interested in the color of a building when looking at the structural engineering aspect is not relevant.

Also, I am finding that most students are not addressing the weekly special question directly. We suggest the following format to the class? This would make grading the discussions much easier, as well as increase the grades for the students.

First Article Title, Author, Hyperlink, etc.

• * A very brief (2-3 sentences) identification of the article’s subject
• * 1 paragraph (3-4 sentences) about what you found the most interesting about the article
• * 1 paragraph (3-4 sentences) about what you found the most confusing about the article

Second Article Title, Author, Hyperlink, etc.

• * A very brief (2-3 sentences) identification of the article’s subject
• * 1 paragraph (3-4 sentences) about what you found the most interesting about the article
• * 1 paragraph (3-4 sentences) about what you found the most confusing about the article

Special Question

• * 3-4 sentences directly addressing the weekly question