Friday Discussions & Guest Speaker: Rubric

Student: _____________________________________

Area	Level 4	Level 3	Level 2	Level 1
Background Information (Knowledge & Understanding)	The student has thoroughly researched the topic, demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and is able to answer questions that go well beyond basic facts.	The student has researched the topic, demonstrates an understanding of the topic and is able to answer questions related to the facts of the issue and slightly beyond.	The student has adequate understanding of the topic and is able to answer questions related to the facts of the issue.	The student lacks an in-depth understanding of the topic and is unable to answer most questions related to the facts of the issue.
Presentation (Application)	Exceptional class presentation that supports the theme and various sides of the topic (various perspectives, economic, political, social) . It is unbiased, critical, insightful and interesting to watch.	The class presentation relates to the theme of the topic and portrays various sides of the issue. It is fairly organized and helps the presentation’s quality.	The class presentation relates loosely with the topic. It lacks creativity and insight and but does cover the major themes.	The class presentation lacks the necessary information. At times it is confusing and does not necessarily relate to the topic being discussed.
Preparation and Questions for Class (Thinking & Inquiry)	Presentation, resources and questions show evidence of thorough understanding of the complexity of the topic and require participants to think about the issue from a different perspective.	Presentation, resources and questions are thought provoking and highlight the most important aspects of the topic.	Presentation, resources and questions s are simplistic and/or do not do justice to the topic’s possibilities. They need to be more insightful.	Presentation, resources and questions are not discussion inducing. They are not insightful and do not engage the class.
Discussion (Communication)	The class is actively engaged and involved in the discussion and guest speaker. They want to participate and the discussion is shared equally, not dominated by a few students.	The class is engaged in the discussion. They are paying attention to the discussion and some of the class is actively participating.	The class is engaged for some of the discussion but their attention fades at times. The same students seem to be participating consistently.	Much of the class in not engaged. They are not paying attention and are not interested in discussing the issues. The presenters are dominating the discussion.
Organization (Application)	The presentation and discussion flowed smoothly from point to point. The students were participating in an appropriate manner. The presenters demonstrated good control of the class during the entire discussion.	The discussion moved from point to point without too much disruption. The presenters controlled the discussion and allowed all students to participate	The discussion moved forward with a few disruptions. At times the presenters lost control of the discussion but overall controlled the environment	The discussion seemed disorganized with no clear direction. The presenters displayed little control over the class and did not create an environment conducive to class discussion.
Reflection (K,T,A,C)	Reflection on presentation, guest speaker and discussion is highly insightful and contains detailed analysis.	Reflection on presentation, guest speaker and discussion is insightful and contains analysis.	Reflection on presentation, guest speaker and discussion is somewhat detailed but could have more analysis.	Reflection on presentation, guest speaker and discussion needs to be more detailed and lacks any analysis.