Rubrics are most effectively used when they clearly outline the preferred method of response, or demonstration of course understanding, and also allow the student to know how to meet those needs, or demonstrate that understanding consistently.
It also gives the student specific examples of ideal outcomes so that desired conduct can be reinforced.
We use rubrics for every online assignment, and while student understanding is sometimes shaky at first, very often, a student will ask "How come I only got 80 points?" The use of rubrics allows the instructor to point to a set of OBJECTIVE goals to answer that question.
ron ,
And, they help the students understand the expectations more clearly and understand how they will be assessed. Thanks!
Aaron,
Yes, the students benefit from the rubrics, but the instructors do as well. Rubrics help us be more objective in grading and as we write the criteria, it makes us think carefully about the assignments/expectations we set. Thanks!
The rubric promotes an objective process for assessing an assignment and help ensure that assignments are assessed consistently among students.
I think the role of the rubric is to establish a guideline as to what is required per the assessment at hand, to give a universal grading scale for all students in the course.
Robert,
Great term to describe rubrics - balancing tool. The instructors and the students benefit and we do see a more "clear picture" of their learning. Thanks!
It's a balancing tool....and it's used to provide the student with a more objective picture of how they've performed. Used with subjective assessments, a rubric helps to focus the student on areas that are strong, as well as areas that need their attention.
Pamela ,
Yes, rubrics help everyone involved - instructors and students. I like the terms you use about making the process more simple and transparent. No surprises! ;-] Thanks!
Lori,
Good point that it assesses the student and the lesson at the same time. A rubrics, as you noted, is must more than just an assignment assessment tool. Thanks!
Gary,
Excellent point. Consistency is very important. A well-developed rubric should have the inter-rater reliability and provide for that consistency. Thanks!
The role of the rubric will help the instructor and the student. It assists the student with knowing what to expect and how they will be graded on the assignment or discussion. For the instructor is helps create and make the evaluation process more simple and transparent.
Pamela Asbury
The role is tool for assessment. It assesses the student and lesson at the same time. It provides students the requirements of the lesson.
Lori Zander
I believe an important role of a rubric is to establish consistency with grading though a particular course or school. I believe they should be clear and consistent, but I don't believe they should be so structured that the grading becomes robotic and completely eliminates teacher autonomy and/or subjectivity.
David,
Right on! And, rubrics benefit both the instructors and the students.
Nice job.
A rubric is a tool used to evaluate a students performance. Additionally, a rubric is a tool used to explain the goals and objectives of assignments.
Monica,
So glad you mentioned that rubrics can help both the instructor and students. Thanks for your input.
The rubric provides the students with clear and concise expectations regarding the objectives for the assignment. It helps the students to stay on track and aids the instructor in properly assessing the students’ performance.
Terry,
I'm glad you noted the rubrics help all parties involved in the online classroom. Nice job.
Josh,
Me too! When you have a tool that helps both the instructor and the students - why not use it! ;-) Thanks for your input.
Rubrics help both the instructor and the student by:
1. providing clear guidelines as to expectations
2. providing clear examples of expectations
3. providing consistent and fair grading
