Communication

Get the easy points - the 2 Ps, participation and presentation -

for example:

Participation. re-read the reqs on this as it is the most frequent point loss -

150 -200 words per crit, 2 per assignment - and I focus on grading participation in the design assignments, not so much the DQs

Use design terminology and although communiques should be friendly/collegial keep it professional and objective -
go here onlinesupport.htm and scroll down to 'critique and analysis' and let me know if you have any Qs...I don't look for a thesis - but I can tell how much time you put in (:

My best friends in college were the ones who were honest with me about my work - so don't hesitate to provide a fresh set of eyes for someone's design. And "critical" is different than "negative" - Never be negative.
Also - if you like something and don't have anything critical to say - then expand upon WHY you like it, or why it works so well as a design or artwork.

Participation

More than a few students wait until day 7 to participate - sometimes ALL the crits and writing is done on day 7 within a few minutes.

How can that contribute to communication, participation, a conversation and learning experience?

It will cost you points - I highly recommend commenting a day or two after the assignment is due, and frequently during the week so the class dynamic is maintained and people can appreciate your input!

Q: How much "provided substantive feedback to classmates" is enough?

A: All participation posts need to be initiated by the student receiving the points.

For DQs they almost always want 2 posts minimum, each post worth 5 points.

For design assignments at least one, worth 5 points.

I shoot for 150 to 200 words, sometimes less, sometimes more, depending on the material being responded to. A dq feedback response to another student might not require as much. A design might have you supplying feedback, referencing links and going into more detail.

All participation posts should be made within one or two days after the assignment. I often see someone logging in on day 7 to do all the participation. I talk about this in the announcements. That kind of response isn't helpful to the person it is being made to as it is to late to apply your information to their work, and it'll cost a couple of points here and there.

Go here http://www.jeffprentice.net and scroll down to week 1 resources. There are examples.

The end of the week critiques are more about formal critique writing. You can be more informal for mid-week feedback. Pretend your best friend has asked you what you think of their work-in-progress. Add a second pair of eyes to the equation. Be helpful and supportive, but stay away from "good job" generalities. On ground I do rapid crits that are 2 positive comments and 2 critical comments. Even if you love something and have nothing critical to say, explain why you love it.