Using the Data/Information/Knowledge/Wisdom Continuum

Walden University M.S. in Nursing

Formative Evaluation Criteria for Applications and Formal Papers

Categories and Criteria		Points
QUALITY OF WORK SUBMITTED - 35 Possible Points
1. The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria and work reflects graduate level critical and analytic thinking (0-30 Points)
Assignment exceeds expectations. All topics are addressed with a minimum of 75% containing exceptional breadth and depth about each of the assignment topics.	25-30
Assignment meets expectations. All topics are addressed with a minimum of 50% containing good breadth and depth about each of the assignment topics.	20-24
Assignment meets most of the expectations. One required topic is either not addressed or inadequately addressed.	16-19
Assignment superficially meets some of the expectations. Two or more required topics are either not addressed or inadequately addressed.	0-15
2. Purpose of the paper is clear (0-5 Points)
A clear and comprehensive purpose statement is provided which delineates all required criteria.
Purpose of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive.
Purpose of the assignment is vague.	1-3
No purpose statement was provided.
ASSIMILATION AND SYNTHESIS OF IDEAS - 50 Possible Points The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to-
1. Understand and interpret the assignment’s key concepts (0-10 Points)
Demonstrates the ability to critically appraise and intellectually explore key concepts.	9-10
Demonstrates a clear understanding of key concepts.
Shows some degree of understanding of key concepts.	5-7
Shows a lack of understanding of key concepts, deviates from topics.	0-4
2. Apply and integrate material in course resources (i.e. video, required readings, and textbook) and credible outside resources (0-20 Points)
Demonstrates and applies exceptional support of major points and integrates 2 or more credible outside sources, in addition to 3-4 course resources to support point of view.	15-20
Integrates specific information from 1 credible outside resource and 3 to 4 course resources to support major points and point of view.	10-14
Minimally includes and integrates specific information from 2-3 resources to support major points and point of view.	3-9
Includes and integrates specific information from 0 to 1 resource to support major points and point of view.	0-2
3. Synthesize (combines various components or different ideas into a new whole) material in course resources (i.e. video, required readings, and textbook) by comparing different points of view and highlighting similarities, differences, and connections. (0-20 Points)
Synthesizes and justifies (defends, explains, validates, confirms) information gleaned from sources to support major points presented. Applies meaning to the field of advanced nursing practice.	18-20
Summarizes information gleaned from sources to support major points, but does not synthesize.	16-17
Identifies but does not interpret or apply concepts, and/or strategies correctly; ideas unclear and/or underdeveloped.	14-15
Rarely or does not interpret, apply, and synthesize concepts, and/or strategies.	0-13

WRITTEN EXPRESSION AND FORMATTING - 15 Possible Points
1. Paragraph and Sentence Structure: Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are clearly structured and carefully focused--neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. (0-5 Points)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards.
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards 80% of the time.
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards 70% of the time.
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards < 70% of the time.	0-2
2. English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation (0-5 Points)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.	0-2
3. The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list (0-5 Points)
Uses correct APA format with no errors.
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.	0-2
Total Points for Assignment:

Please copy and paste this rubric table at the end of all Application Assignments in order for your assignment to be graded.

Guidance for Application Assignments:

Application Assignments require a title page, introduction, body of the paper, conclusion, and reference page. The title page needs to follows APA style and includes a title, student name, course number and section, and date. An abstract is not required. APA style headings are to be used appropriately to separate and organize sections of the paper. The use of direct quotes is discouraged and should only be used when the source material uses language that is particularly striking or notable. The introduction should provide an overview of the topic, the purpose of the paper, and topics that will be addressed. The body of the paper needs to address all required topics. The conclusion ought to provide closure for the reader, synthesize the content, and tie everything together to help clarify the main points of the paper. The reference page should include all references cited in the assignment in correct APA format.. Some course assignments may require the use of more than 2 credible outside resources. In these cases, the minimum outside sources specified in the instructions for the assignment will be applied in the grading of these course assignments. Credible sources include scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles, evidence based resources, and professional (.org), educational (.edu), and government websites (.gov). Commercial websites (.com) are not considered credible sources. Please note: When selecting articles for course assignments, you are advised (unless you are referencing seminal information) to focus on work published within the past five years.

Late Policies:

Assignments submitted late without prior agreement of the Instructor, outside of an emergency absence, or in violation of agreements for late submission, will receive a grade reduction for the Assignment amounting to a 20% point loss. After 5 days, the Assignment will not be graded. Students should be aware that late Assignments may not receive the same level of written feedback as do Assignments submitted on time.