In assigning a grade, the order of the discussion should be taken into account. The discussions should become more effective as the course progresses. Therefore the standards for evaluating the beginning discussions, should be somewhat more lenient. The success of the discussion component of the course depends on the responsible involvement of the class members. The size of any reductions will be influenced primarily by the instructor's assessment of the impact on the remaining class members.
All participants bear some responsibility for the quality of the discussions.
All participants have an obligation to raise whatever questions they may have about the topic, during the course of the discussions . The instructor is obligated to monitor the content of the discussion, and to assure that relevant issues receive appropriate coverage.