Kelly, Thank you for your response and suggestions! Currently, I use the school's LMS to view the number of Posts and Replies each student makes to discussion questions or in some cases a student Post. There are expectations of the number of Posts and Replies each week. I calculate an average and evaluate those with greater than the average better that those with less than the average. Additionally, I try to review all student posts and replies for content quality. Jack

The courses I teach can be taken either synchronously (attending the Online class Webinar) or asynchronously (reviewing the recorded sessions and completing the assignments). Participation accounts for 20% of student's Grade. During Webinar's there is voice over PowerPoint content delivery, discussion questions and an opportunity for Q & A. Additionally, discussion questions are included in the weekly lessons. What are some of your "Best Practices" for evaluating participation Grades? Thanks. Jack