Criminal Justice
Grading Criteria
Your roles as a facilitator are twofold.
First, facilitation will involve the development of a discussion topic. Suitable discussion prompts can focus on a case from the book, an article from the book, a recent news article from a reliable source such as The New York Times, or an article from a professional peer-reviewed journal. After the basis for the discussion, prompt has been decided, students will pose a series of two to four questions to serve as the basis for discussion. The questions should be formulated in such a way that they will elicit thoughtful discussion around the topic, and will encourage participants to justify their responses with arguments drawing from the readings and based on the relevant ethical theories/principles. Also, the prompt should be unbiased and inclusive of different points of view.
Second, facilitation involves collaboratively leading the discussion.
You, as a facilitator, are not required to respond to the initial discussion prompt, but to respond to other students’ posts. Also, facilitators should do additional research on the topic, so they know the subject better than do the participants. While facilitating, here are some useful strategies:
1. use the Socratic Method, and ask some probing questions.
2. provide additional information or correct misinformation.
3. point out the use of faulty reasoning, or compliment a well-researched post, and so forth.
Also, keep in mind that facilitation must be done in a respectful and unbiased manner such as one would expect of a person moderating a discussion such as one at a professional conference.
Please note this is a collaborative endeavor. All students are expected to participate in the formation of the discussion prompt and to equally lead the discussion. (If any group member is not pulling her/his weight, please feel free to confidentially contact me.)
Also note, student facilitators, are expected to post their prompt on the Assignment link one week before it is posted so that I can review it. (Keep in mind modifications may be required.)
The student facilitation activity is worth a total of 22 points*. Each member’s facilitation efforts will be individually graded based on the following criteria: rubric: Group Prompt Formulation of an appropriate discussion prompt sent to the instructor for approval in a timely manner. Group Collaboration Group member pulls her/his own weight and helps the group achieve the minimum goals stated above. Individual facilitation Posts contribute to the discussion by providing additional information, pointing out bias or faulty reasoning, and posing engaging questions. Posts are unbiased and are respectful of different points of view.
