In regards to discussion posts I generally follow the guidelines spelled out in Walden's grading rubric in regards to posts (see the grading rubric outlined in the course information section of blackboard). However, if you do not use APA format or references in at least your initial post, I will deduct at least 5 points for that (so please do that).
This is also the same rules for assignments, that they must follow APA style format. Also, in past courses I have been flexible in certain situations regarding delayed or late posts. I do believe that life sometimes gets in the way when we least expect it to. Please know that I would prefer a late post than no post at all.
However, I will not accept posts that are more than a week late. If you are not able to post by the required date for whatever reason, just please let me know beforehand. As a rule, however, I do deduct points off the posts if they are late so as to be fair to those who post on time.
In addition, I will be following very closely with Walden's Tunitin Policy, which I posted below. Therefore, any paper that is submitted to me with more than 30% of the paper with improperly cited passages (or to many cited passages) I will return the paper to you and ask for you to re-review it and for a re-write if necessary. You will not lose points if the original paper was submitted on-time, but will be given a limited period of time to review/rewrite the paper (2-3 days).
I have provided an outline of what is specifically required for discussion posts and written assignments in this course:
Discussion Posts:
All posts to all discussions require APA citations and references. Each student is to respond to 2 other students' posts for every discussion throughout the course. This is the rule for this class; there are discrepancies in this on the Blackboard site. However, going forward, If you post more than 6 response posts by day 5 you will be eligible for 3 points extra participation credit to make up for any lost points (my class rule).
I will be posting on discussions and I am requiring a response from you so please check throughout the week for when respond to your discussion post (usually by day 5)
All initial posts and response posts are due on the days specified on Blackboard (usually Day Three and Five). If your post is late for whatever reason please make sure your posts are posted by Day 7. I am no longer allowed to accept posts after Day 7 as per Walden's Policy, and any posts. If you know that there is a circumstance that will prevent you for making the post on time or by Day 7, please email me to discuss.
The way a reader (myself and other students) can see that you understand the information, theoretical models, concepts, and words you are discussing is to write about them in your own words as much as possible, tell us what the article authors said by paraphrasing, using your own language. Scholarly does not mean you have to write using multi-syllabic words. Writing a bit like you talk is fine if the reader can understand and if your spelling and grammar are correct.
Read the rubric before and while you write. Let it guide you as to what you write. This is straightforward. In discussion posts you can draft a post in a word document where you have pasted the instructions for each point to be made in the post. You can then write your answer/post right under this instruction and copy and paste the whole thing onto the discussion list. This can help you stay on track.
The idea in discussions is to have as much of a conversation as possible. Notice that the "feedback" rubric score for "excellent" says: RESPONSES --if you fail to respond at all, the grade for feedback is 0 out of 10 points. This does not even consider quality of posts, doing nothing causes a loss.
CITATIONS AND REFERENCES: Initial posts and the 2 required responses must have citations and references from the professional literature. Using only the case as a reference/cite is NOT sufficient. This is a vignette, it is not research that will back up a claim. Every post should have a claim you are making (e.g. "I think an eco map is good to use here", "Strengths based is best here", "Women in violent relationships often attempt to leave 9 times before leaving for good). You then must have a cite/ref. that backs up this claim, e.g. an article that states eco maps are good to use in situations similar to the case under discussion.
Written Assignments:
Walden University has a strict policy on written assignments, whereas all papers are required to follow APA format. The only exception is that they no longer require a running head on the papers. Most of you already adhere to this format and I have not been as strict in my grading when reviewing your papers on this, but going forward (Week 7 and beyond) I will now follow closely to Walden University requirements and the rubric. The outline for an APA paper is below, and I have attached a sample for your review.
In addition, as I mentioned in my introductory post at the beginning of the quarter. following very closely with Walden's Tunitin Policy, which I posted below. Therefore, any paper that is submitted to me with more than 30% of the paper with improperly cited passages (or too many cited passages) I will return the paper to you and ask for you to re-review it and for a re-write if necessary. You will not lose points if the original paper was submitted on-time, but will be given a limited period of time to review/rewrite the paper (2-3 days).
Attachment:- week_2_posted_discussions_6351.rar