I absolutely agree that rubrics can be beneficial. They can provide clear guidelines of what is expected of them, and it does help keep them on track. However, they must be effectively put together so that it is easily understandable, and that it provides clear details of expectations.
I can guarantee that none of my professors in undergraduate or graduate school used a rubric when grading my deliverables. Some, but not all, had clearly communicated assignment expectations. Some professors played hide the ball and others made you chase your tail. But, none of them used a silly spread sheet in which you assign a score to an area and total up the points.
I attended traditional, land grant universities and I would stack the quality of my education up against anyone.
So, if my educational experience was good enough why do many educators feel rubrics are so important today? Is it because they "appear" to be objective even though they are NOT? Is it some other reason? I really don't see the value in a rubric when one has clear course and assignment expectations. Also, some subjects like math, hard sciences and grammar do not require a rubric.
I am right there with you on this. Having rubrics gives the students guidance when completing their assignments. It really does establish a more objective way to grade and allows the student and instructor a better way to communicate regarding ways to improve on their assignments.
Would never do without them.
Good website:
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/teaching-methods-and-management/rubrics/4522.html
Dawn Huber
Marshall,
Yes, that's why they are there. The criteria are essential for helping students understand what is expected of them and help instructor be consistent in their evaluation. Nice job.
Virginia,
Right on! Good rubrics help the student and the instructor and help tie the assignment/project to the learning outcomes. Nice job.
And you have to stick to the grading criteria, especially when a student is asking for extra credit assignments or points to reach the next letter gade.
I agree with you Ellen! Rubrics are essential to the online learning environment. In a physical classroom setting the instructor can "hit the high points" of the upcoming assignment and emphasize the importance of certain features. But in an online format that assignment is pre-published without much involvement by the instructor until after it has been submitted for grading. It is therefore important that students know what the grading criteria is. Rubrics break down the assignment into its basic components to let the learner know exactly how he/she was graded.
Ellen,
Right on. Rubrics should be effectively designed to help both students and instructors. Nice job.
