Rubrics
I find that rubrics are the best way to provide feedback. Rubrics provide a student with a clear understanding of their grade, in addition to the breakdown of their grade the instructor can also provide the student with specific feedback to the assignment that will support the rubric.
Tonya,
I would also suggest that rubrics are vital for both students and instructors. Students are provided with clear expectations, and instructors can provide very detailed feedback through rubrics in a shorter timeframe. The rubrics should be provided before the assignment is due to guide the student. Using rubrics also reduces student's questions regarding "how" you came up with their grade. Instructors can prove there was fair and equitable grading.
Herbert Brown III
I too find the assignment rubrics to be very beneficial. The rubrics keep the student on track and provide a good rationale as to how their grades were computed.
Jennifer,
This is a very good practice. Additionally, you can make it part of the assignment for them to complete the rubric on their own paper that is being submitted. They are usually (not always) harder on themselves than I would be.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I also use rubrics. My favorite way to use them (in my writing courses) is to have students practice scoring a sample essay with the same rubric they will be graded on. This seems to help them understand exactly what they need to do in their own essays. It's also a great way to reinforce topics and show examples.
Karlen,
You are a true teacher - always finding ways to improve your learner's experience. Cheers!
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Kevin and Dr. V., I guess the time has come for me to take the course on rubrics that was recently advertised. Although the points are not enormous(5% of the grade) it is still a teaching opportunity! I have been giving points simply for writing a response. The points have not been based on quality but simply on responding. It's time to improve this situation! Even reading the other responses in this thread has been instructional.
Darlene,
Agreed. It is not only instructionally sound to do so, but it fosters less frustration for the students. Good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I believe my offering specific feedback by the instructor using the predetermined criteria is crucial in the asyachronous setting.
Kevin,
This is an excellent testimonial. Well stated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The difference that rubrics have made in my courses is enormous. They basically take away any confusion over what is required for a project, and make it impossible for a student to say "Well, I didn't know I was supposed to do [x,y,z]." In some cases, I have returned a copy of the rubric with notes on each point for the student to read, and most of my students have told me that it helped them to understand their grade more clearly. I will never assign another project without using them.
Suzanne,
A very good recommendation. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes, getting students to read and follow the rubric BEFORE they do the assignment is critical. I think one way to do this is to link or attach the rubric to EVERY mention of the assignment, whether email, syllabus, or assignment list.
Nicole,
Getting some of them to thoroughly read it (and follow the instructions) may be the next step. ;-]
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I totally agree. I believe if you present a rubric to your students at the beginning of each class as to what is expected from them on each assignment it will help them understand why they received the grade they received for that particular assignment.
Yvonne,
Many instructors find the same type of satisfaction he described. Using rubrics to guide students as well as the grading process has been demonstrated to foster higher levels of student success within many instructional settings.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I do like working with rubrics. It is a good guideline to what is expected of the students. When a student questions their grades, the instructor can refer back to the rubric, so there is no misunderstandings.
Sara,
Providing opportunities to re-do guided practice activities, under appropriate circumstances, is well researched in the mastery learning movement. This is an excellent strategy for enhancing student learning. Very nice. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Lauren,
Yes, I agree. I also provide rubrics with my feedback. The criteria I use in the rubrics are based on the specifics of the assignments. Everything is clearly laid out as to the points students will receive for all aspects of the assignments. As do you, I include feedback as to where the students erred, and what they can do to improve their understanding of the subject matter. Depending on the assignment, I may allow students to re-do all or part of the work.
Leigh,
This is a thorough approach. Providing an example for students to model along with the rubric can have a significant positive effect. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
