I think that it is rather difficult to use rubrics when grading matematics papers, particuarly upper-level work. I think that rubrics work well when dealing with qualitative material.
The problem of using an analytic approach is that it is time consuming for instructors to use rubrics. To alleviate this constraint, I am a firm advocate of so-called "clicking rubruics". The rubric is created once. All the instructor has to do click on the appropriate box, and the computer does the rest.
For me, the time spent grading is a significant issue. As an economist, I am always looking at dollars per hour. The more time I spend grading papers, the less I earn per hour. On the other hand, the quality of the grading is an upward bound on the dollars per hour calculation. I am typically searching for that equilibrium point were efficiency equals effacy.
Domald L. Buresh
Shana,
Yes, and they assist both instructors and students. Be careful to make sure they are effective in measuring the learning outcomes. I even put the learning outcomes/objectives right in the rubric. It helps the students connect why they are doing what they are doing. Keep up the good work.
Rubrics also save a lot of time when grading multiple classes, whereas writing individual feedback for every student can be painstaking since most don't read them anyway.
Mara,
Thanks for adding to the conversation. I like the fact that you commented on the fact that rubrics help you and the students. Nice job.
As several others have pointed out, using rubrics gives clear indications to both students and to me, the instructor, about what it is the students are to be graded on. The school I teach at has a general rubric for written projects which is then combined with specific content areas for the assignment. The latter lets the students (and me) know what material they have to cover to receive full credit. The former, HOW they have to cover it in terms of research, critical thinking, language, and so on.
Having the rubrics has made it easier for me to grade assignments and for students to write them, especially when the assignment has several parts to it. All of us are able to see if everything's been covered and I have a basis for responding to inquiries about why they received a less than perfect score.
Christine,
Interesting. Nice to know you are using rubrics and they are especially useful for your content. Thanks for your input.
Darcel,
You are so right. Thanks for your description and your input. Keep up the good work.
I use analytic rubrics even though I am in an artistic area (design). Though when I teach art classes, rubrics are not as easily used, as the course points out.
What I focus on in design is typically three areas: following assignment directions, conceptual development, and effectiveness of design. These three areas are always important in any design, and even though the latter two can be somewhat subjective, I feel that is very helpful to have students keyed in early to the touchstones of a good design, and using a rubric is an additional tool that emphasizes those points after the assignment is completed.
Darcel,
Excellent., when you can tie it back to the book and provide quick feedback - that is great. Tanks for your input.
Tena, I direct my students to the specific page for improvement in the text book or offer a website for remedial training. This is my way of giving on the spot feedback. Darel
The advantages of the analytic rubric are specific points per task, immediate feedback, and a useful “on the spot†correction tool. In addition, any instructor should be able to pick up the course and grade students based on the analytic rubric.
Lauren ,
Ah - a math instructor who used rubrics. Some say if it is just right or wrong, no rubric is needed. I like the way you are using them. Thanks.
Hello,
As a math instructor, rubrics are very helpful tools for feedback. I can provide my students detailed feedback about a question(s) that are incorrect. When creating a rubric, I create categories for specific areas of weaknesses. Before I assign any assignment, I provide my students with a rubric. Having the rubric before they began their assignment, they can pinpoint where some of their weaknesses.
De Monte,
Thanks for your input. I'm glad many of you are providing posts that include the benefits to both students and the instructor. Nice job.
There are many advantages for instructors and students to use rubrics. The students are able to get detailed feedback on what are their strengths and weakness in the assignments. This opens the door for the student to grow in areas that they may struggle with. The rubric will also will give a detailed breakdown on what in needed to reach their goals to complete the assignment before they even start. One advantage for the instructor is to evaluate the student's performance based on the breakdown sum of a full range of criteria rather than a single numerical score that can not give the students feedback on each goal pointed out in the projects objective.
Elizabeth,
Many times we do need something that works particularly well with our content. The content and our teaching/assessment style does play a role in what we use. Thanks!
I think an analytic rubric works best particularly for someone teaching mathematics.
revonna,
Look at the rubrics you can fine at RubiStar and other online rubric generators. They can help you think about what to put in your rubrics and how to assess properly. It takes time, but is worth the effort.
Revonna,
Thanks for bringing up the point about using the rubrics for self-assessment. They are essential to the learning process.
Dana ,
Yes, you are right. The rubrics can help the students succeed. Thanks.
