roger,
Would you have a rubric that students could use to evaluate the blog? That would be interesting.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Sharon,
Love your grading rubric categories. You really put some thought in them. I like the quality of critical thought criteria. Good post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would assess a student’s blog by the content and relevance to topic being discussed. I would review the quality of writing, tone and flow of thought. I would also consider frequency of blogs and intended audience
Assessing student blogging would have to be measured against a standard that was known and published in advance. In other words, a rubric. That way, direction is given the students in advance so they know what is expected of them and can aim to meet those requirements. Those requirements and activities should advance them towards the total learning objectives for the course. Without them, they are sailing around on the ocean with no known destination.
There should be expectations as regards the quantity and quality of blog postings by students, and definitions of what constitutes quality. This way, their blogs will be worth reading by other students and they can learn from each other.
In the grading rubric for the blog I would assess: (1) quality of critical thought of the post, (2) use of outside sources to support the thought, (3) quality of writing, (4) possibly innovation in the use of technology resources (i.e., videos, etc), (5) level of contribution based on quantity of posts.
Interesting question of course! : - ) I can just hear the concerns that would be similar to comments from 'Group Project' grading too! My response to the question as of this posting is “no†I would not include in a grade the results of responses from others. I can see where comments/feedback about this topic would be beneficial - but not 'points'.
Thanks!
Cynthia
cynthia,
Great answer, would you grade the feedback from others as it reflects what the blog leader wrote? I am just thinking out loud. . . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
To assess the students’ use of blogging would of course, include the frequency/amount of participation which should be provided in the expectations or how would a student know if they should be active daily/weekly and the number of ‘discussions’. Content would need to be assessed based on the class/requirement. Netiquette is always expected – no question. A rubric with at least these listed as a minute to help provide the guidance before the student begins should always be provided.
Christine,
Would those items be a part of a rubric?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Assessment of Blogs would have to depend on the purpose of the assignment. The purpose of Blogs can be many. I could be to put forth a specific point, express facts or just express one's deepest personal feelings. With respect of the first two assessment can be based on content and whether required points have been properly and accurately addressed. For the third, I would have to say assessment should be based on pure effort and willingness to express one's thoughts openly.
Belinda,
Would you use a rubric to assess it?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would assess a student's use of blogging by the content of the information and how often they blog. Also, in the content, I would note if any reflection is taking place.
Rebecca,
You identify many items that should be assessed. Would you use a rubric?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The content and how it is connected with the main points of the course would be the most important. Since blogging involves an unlimited amount of characters, I would also review for the quality of writing. Although I would not expect formal writing as with a submitted essay, I would expect that students would be practicing good grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills in their blog posts. Finally, I would assess the outside sources they use and link to in their blogs. I would see blogs as a means for their getting beyond the classroom materials and exploring the topics themselves.
Joan,
Yes it would. Would you use a rubric as a way to address these issues?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Assessment of student participation, online behavior, and comprehension of subject matter would be key factors in evaluating the student.
Gwendolyn,
Would you use a rubric to measure the blog?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
To assess students use of blogging I would assess the regulary written comments to see is they are communicating as part of the community by sharing ideas and reflections on the content information. This can be seen by the numbers of blog posts or reflections. I would also assess the goals set to see if all were achieved
Guerda,
yes, Would you create a rubric with these criteria.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would assess what the student brings to the topic...hopefully, something meaningful that we all can learn from. I would also observe consistency, professional communication, and their involvement.
