Rubrics
A rubric grading format is a great way to assess a students preformance in a clear and fair way.
I agree, too. Consistency is a MUST!
In the past I've also had students question why they received a grade on an assignment. Sometimes this is weeks after the assignment was graded, and I was hard-pressed to remember the specifics. Having a rubric, and ticking off points or making notes on the rubric/grading page helps me to remember why I deducted points on the assignment.
So in my opinion, having a rubric is just as important to the instructor as it is to the student.
Denise,
I agree. Rubrics provide the students with a valid template for creating a successful presentation. Without an objective grading tool, they would only be able to create a presentation that they feel would "please" the instructor, without specific guidelines.
Tremayne Simpson
In Oral Communication, often subjective, a rubic is very important for them to understand how to be successful. It's not just what I think of the speech delivery, it's measured results.
A grading rubric is a great tool to share with students. It allows for better understanding of how points were awarded or lost.
Brenda,
I agree. Eliminating the "gray" areas keeps the grading "fair" and limits the amount of student grading disputes.
Tremayne Simpson
Having a clear and concise rubric is not only helpful for the instructor to grade from, but also for the student to follow as they prepare.
It keeps things very black and white and does not allow subjectivity to interfere!
Rubrics are helpful because they clearly outline what the students are responsible for and to what extent. This helps the students take ownership of their actions as a rubric gives them an idea what the outcome of their performance may be.
Rubrics can be an effective tool that can open discussions between student and instructor about what criteria should be met in order to advance.
Brian,
I agree with this approach. In fact, I feel that it is a good idea to provide all of the project rubrics to students, on the first day of class. This gives them an opportunity to understand the grading criteria and to plan accordingly. Providing the rubrics early, can limit the amount of excuses that are given by students, for submitting subpar assignments.
Tremayne Simpson
I believe giving the students the rubric a day ahead of the assessment. This way we can discuss what quantifies the different grades. And they can further examine them in preparation for the test outside of class.
Rick,
Rubrics are effective in limiting the subjectivity from grading. In addition, rubrics provide "clear cut" expectations for students, which allows them to have responsibility in determining a desired outcome. For example, if a student wants to receive maximum points for a project, they will need to ensure that they can adhere to the distinct provisions that are listed in the rubric.
Tremayne Simpson
One class that I teach has to do with composition. Since music can be so subjective, I have developed a grading rubix for each project that basically grades each student according to following the specs for that particular project. There are a few points where I give my estimation on how does it compare in regards to marketability. But for the most part it puts the responsibility of the grade outcome back on the student.
The rubrics is a great way for students to understand the grading system.
Traci,
As a best practice, I generally provide all of the course rubrics to the students on the first day of class. Although several of the assignments do not occur until later in the term, discussing the expectations with them early, can assist in the overall clarity of the grading criteria.
Tremayne Simpson
Well written rubrics help to promote clarity of what is expected for the student to achieve. It communicates clearly what is expected of the student which reduces the probability of discrepancies and misunderstandings.
William,
I agree. Verbal and written descriptors, should be provided along with project rubrics. By using both forms of description, the student should not deny that they were able to comprehend the grading standards for the assignment.
Tremayne Simpson
William,
I agree. Verbal and written descriptors, should be provided along with project rubrics. By using both forms of description, the student should not deny that they were able to comprehend the grading standards for the assignment.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree. In my experience, a well-structure rubric can limit the amount of student grade disputes. Whenever students feel that the grading is "subjective", they will have a viable reason to challenge their assignment grade.
The Rubic is a great way to grade, as long as its explained in detail and the students understand how it works, miss something or leave something out, be prepared for some unhappy people.
