Negative points are assigned for irrelevant comments whether a member or the discussion has pointed them out or not. Irrelevant comments include repeating information that has already been contributed or comments that are clearly off the subject. Negative points can be used as an effective management tool for keeping the student audience quiet and attentive. The audience can be told that once the discussion has begun, they can be given negative points by the teacher without further warning. These points are deducted from the students scored discussion point total.
Most students avoid either starting in the hole or sacrificing points already earned.
Individuals in societies spend a great deal of time talking with others. Sometimes this talking is social in character, at other times individuals talk to share information and learn and practice any of the skills of effective communication. Additionally, scored discussions are an alternative way of assessing and evaluating student knowledge or performance.