carol,
Definitely. Rubrics help make things more clear for students and the instructor.
Thanks!
carol,
Excellent. Any time we have to think more critically about what we are asking students to do, the better. We have to completely understand what we are asking and that we are asking things that connect directly to the learning objectives. It's good we take a step back many times to ensure what we are doing. Thanks for your comments.
I need to add to this in reference to inline learning. I
While I like that it forces me as the instructor to focus, it also allows the students to read the expectation and ask questions before the end product if they don't understand. As a student it always is a question " what does he/she want?" The rubric allows for discourse throughout the process rather than at the end when I have to explain a grade.
One of the first things I noticed when I started using rubrics was that the process forced me to clarify in my mind what I was wanting to assess in the product. When we have 120 essays to grade, we can get tired, and ticked off if we have read some bad ones. I know I am not the only one that has caught themselves thinking...this writing penmanship is awful and I have asked him (or her) a hundred time to write clearly. A rubric helps me focus on the objectives determined to be the focus and if penmanship isn't on the rubric I just have to be able to read it. AND it certainly makes those 120 essays go a little faster
Saudat,
Rubrics can definitely help with consistency and objectivity. I'm glad you have found that the students appreciate them as well. Thanks!
Sara,
Great! Glad you are finding the rubrics helpful. Bet your students are too.
Thanks for your comments.
It is important to use rubrics for the sake of consistency. Rubrics also provide a means of giving feedback objectively and makes it easier to validate a particular numerical score when it is based on defined domains outlined in the rubric. Students also appreciate rubrics because it helps them understand how they are being evaluated and what areas they need improvement.
Hello Dr. Crews and colleagues,
I have only recently begun to use rubrics with my online students. In the past, I've used "boiler plate" WORD document comments that I copied and pasted into my students’ grade books. I find that using rubrics allows for greater flexibility in terms of awarding points for various criteria; rubrics help my students obtain a clearer picture of the information on which they will be graded.
Sara Fine
Online Instructor
Janis,
We have to develop good discussions (some call threaded discussions) so that students engage in the learning process. The rubric helps with this process. Thanks!
Discussion Forums are an integral part of my on-line classes, even though I teach math. The discussion forum IS the classroom. I encourage students to ask questions about approaches to problems and to try to state what they understand or don't understand. That being said, it is critical for the students to have some idea as to how their discussions will be accessed. They need to understand in concrete terms that simply stating, "I am terrible at math and I don't understand the material. I have always been bad at math" does not advance the discussion nor give the instructor or other students any way to help the student understand." By stating this in a rubric, I believe the student has a better chance of earning the maximum number of points for this area of his/her grade.
Rick,
I like using them too. Anything we can do to help the students be more accountable is a good thing. The consistency it provides also helps the instructor and students. Thanks!
I like using rubrics as it allows an expectation level to clearly be established for the learner. I think a rubric also holds a student accountable. Thirdly, I like using a rubric in that it gives the learner some direction in terms of what knowledge or skill is needed for the assessment they are going to complete. While I am not an advocate of a holistic approach to grading, a rubric also allows for some consistency and rationale for a score earned by each student.
Michael,
The key word you used in your post is "clear." A clear rubric system is essential to maximize learning. Thanks!
As an online instructor in a creative industry, rubrics can clarify what is important and get the students to understand how they can improve. Using a clear rubric system to show both their areas of excellence and the areas that they need to improve on in a fair and concise manner.
Mary,
Ah - I like that you stated rubrics have a powerful purpose. Many people don't realize the power they have. Thanks for your input.
Whether an instructor teaches in a conventional classroom or teaches online, rubrics serve a similar powerful purpose. They provide very precise directions for the student learner by highlighting specific points inherent to an assignment that ends up being significant learning outcomes. They also provide the instructor with an ample opportunity to fairly assess the student's work. They make grading simpler and help the instructor to be more consistent in terms of pointing out strengths and weaknesses. As a result, rubrics prove to be winners both in the traditional classroom as well as in the ever-expanding world of online education.
John,
Right on! I like that you noted the students can use the information to improve. What a great tool.
Tena,
Hello. It is important to use rubrics so that the instructor can grade the students' work in an objective and efficient manner. The students get quality information regarding where they went right and/or wrong with the assignment. The student can then use that information to hopefully do better with next week's assignment.
Regards,
John Halstead
Ellie,
Yes, the rubrics can help students more clearly understand the expectations. I do enjoy the "road map" analogy of the rubric. Thanks!
Rubrics are important in any classroom but the online classroom can be very removed from the student. Being able to present them with a clear breakdown of what is expected of them is one more way to improve communication and success of the students time with you. When you are looking to grade work referring back to the rubric will allow the student to independently go over their work. There are many times a student may not include all necessary items in an assignment. I always refer them back to the road map of the assignment, or the rubric for a clear path to a complete assignment.
