Professional Communications

Learner Guidelines for Evaluation of Discussion Contributions
All discussion contributions will be read by your instructor each week, but not every discussion contribution will be selected for evaluation by your instructor. At least every three or four weeks, and usually more frequently, you should expect that the instructor will provide feedback to you regarding your discussion postings, particularly if any of the discussion contributions or responses selected by the instructor for evaluation do not contain the discussion attributes identified below. Expecting that every discussion posting and response contain all of the attributes of an exemplary discussion posting is setting a high standard for both you and the instructor. This level of high performance is the standard expected of graduate learners at Capella.
After the first three weeks (and subsequent grading periods), the instructor will assign a discussion participation grade based on the following:
100% = All of the discussion contributions or responses selected by the instructor satisfied the attributes of an exemplary discussion contribution.
85% = More than half of the evaluated discussion contributions or responses satisfied the attributes of an exemplary discussion contribution.
70%= Less than half of the evaluated discussion contributions or responses satisfied all of the attributes of an exemplary discussion contribution.
0% = None of the evaluated discussion contributions or responses satisfied the attributes of an exemplary discussion contribution. This would include any discussion postings which the learner did not submit. Note: Since discussion postings are time sensitive, discussion postings or responses which are submitted late also may be considered to contain none of the attributes of an exemplary discussion posting. Please check with your instructor about their policy regarding the evaluation of late discussion postings and assignments.
Attributes and Evaluation of Discussion Contributions
Attributes of an Exemplary Discussion Contribution or Response:
1.    The discussion contribution or response clearly addresses the content issue(s) presented by the question.
2.    The discussion contribution or response includes the appropriate level(s) of critical analysis.
3.    The discussion contribution or response includes pertinent course and disciplinary concepts, theories, or materials, and applies them correctly.
4.    The discussion contribution or response provides validation and support by including relevant examples and supporting evidence, as appropriate.
5.    The discussion contribution or response stimulates fellow learners to clarify, extend, and strengthen their dialogue.
6.    The discussion contribution or response is concise, clearly organized, and well structured.
7.    The discussion contribution or response uses grammar, usage, and mechanics expected of graduate level composition and expression.
8.    All citations and references adhere to APA 6th edition style.
9.    The discussion contribution or response fosters collaboration with fellow learners and communicates in a manner that respects the dignity and integrity of fellow learners and the instructor.

10.    The discussion response meaningfully supplements and extends consideration of the topic by including one of more of the following: new information, questions, constructive or corrective feedback, or alternative viewpoints.
For additional details regarding discussion participation and contributions, please consult the Professional Communications and Writing Guide.
Discussion Feedback Checklist and Comment Form
Your instructor may use the table below to provide feedback to you about your discussion contributions.

To improve your future discussion contributions, please refer to the table below, showing which attributes were and were not adequately addressed in your discussion contribution or response. For additional details regarding discussion participation and contributions, please consult the Professional Communications and Writing Guide.
Yes    No    Comments
1. The discussion contribution or response clearly addresses the content issue(s) presented by the question.
2. The discussion contribution or response includes the appropriate level(s) of critical analysis.
3. The discussion contribution or response includes pertinent course and disciplinary concepts, theories, or materials and applies them correctly.
4. The discussion contribution or response provides validation and support by including relevant examples and supporting evidence, as appropriate.
5. The discussion contribution or response stimulates fellow learners to clarify, extend, and strengthen their dialogue.
6. The discussion contribution or response is concise, clearly organized, and well structured.
7. The discussion contribution or response uses grammar, usage, and mechanics expected of graduate level composition and expression.
8. All citations and references adhere to APA 6th edition style.
9. The discussion contribution or response fosters collaboration with fellow learners and communicates in a manner that respects the dignity and integrity of fellow learners and the instructor.
10. The discussion response meaningfully supplements and extends consideration of the topic by including one of more of the following: new information, questions, constructive or corrective feedback, or alternative viewpoints.
Additional comments