Wayne ,
Thanks for the additional resources. There are so many out there that we have to find what works for us. We do have to be careful to set the right criteria so that students can expand and not be narrowed through the process.
There are several online resources listed in the unit. The most productive in my opinion is Rcampus Rubric Gallery although to be honest I haven’t visited it for a while. It’s possible to find inspiration through these resources and by doing research using the “Google method†but really I think each rubric must be specific to the course it’s designed for and based on the objectives of the particular assignment.
I think the weighting of assessment categories is important as well. If my course is Art Appreciation and the assignment is to research and discuss the influence Matisse may have had on Picasso, how many points are deducted for grammar mistakes? How many for late posts? In other words, if the student achieves the primary objective of the assignment, but we evaluate the “mechanics†disproportionately do we run the risk of misplaced emphasis? Certainly the writing skills should coincide appropriately with the educational level but if I’m spending more time evaluating language hygiene than the level of subject mastery, perhaps I need to look at the apportionment of the points in my rubric.
Ken,
There are many rubrics and rubric creators out there. Expanding them to meet your needs is great. Just make sure they are connected to the learning outcomes and the criteria are appropriate. Thanks!
I have used a Google search to look at samples prepared by other instructors. Their rubrics are often included with assignments that can be found online. Our university also includes basic rubrics with many courses and I have expanded these to emphasize what I think is important.
Joseph ,
I am glad you are now aware of these and you can tweak Rubistar rubrics for higher education. I do it all the time. I do use excel too. Just use what feels good for you and review the rubrics and edit as needed. Keep going! Thanks.
I was unaware of these until I took this course. I will definately look into using Rubistar and Rcampus Rubric Gallery. I will also Google rubric generators to see if there are some that may be specifically useful for the courses I teach. Rubistar is reputed to be mostly for K-12 and I teach adult learners. I will examine them, however, to see what works well for me. Using available tools gives you some proven processes, allow for consistency and may even make the task a bit easier in the long run. I use Word/tables and these can be difficult to construct. I may attempt to try using Excel for the rubrics. I can see how you can more clearly create tables with specific percentages assignment to each assignment component this way.
Charles,
I really like Rubistar too. Many times the already provided criteria make me think about things I didn't originally think about assessing. Thanks for the resource you have shared with everyone.
WOW, I posted one, never realized there were so many resources.
Rubistar is a good tool http://rubistar.4teachers.org/ It follows a step process to walk you through creating the rubric.
Walter,
Just make sure pre-made rubrics really do match to the learning outcomes and not just steps in an assignment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson,
The rubrics I used are created by the course developers. But the online resource of Rubistar is my favorite online resource for developing rubrics because of its simplicity.
Sincerely,
Walter
9-7-12
William,
OMG - thank you so much for the resources. M
Rcampus rubric gallery has a comprehensive list of rubrics. It allows one to create rubrics or watch videos regarding creating a rubric.
David,
Isn't Google a good thing. ;-) There are many rubrics already developed. Just make sure you, as you stated, do include your specific criteria. I'm glad you shared that specific statement with us. Thanks for your input.
Michelle,
It's OK to start with a generator or what someone else has used, but make sure you tweak it to meet your needs if need be. Take time to ensure it's in line what the learning outcomes and the project. Thanks!
Often, I find that using a simple Google search helps in finding a rubric that is usable, and specific. When I do find one I adjust the dimensions of the rubric to include areas that are specific to the assignment, and end up adding things that are important to be on the rubric. I use the rubric I find as a base, and expand from there.
I find that when building my own,it is important to create a spreadsheet of the important elements of the paper. I also include any criteria the school find necessary, and add this to the rubric as well. I do see there are other ways such as Rubistar and Rcampus rubric gallery that can assist in creating rubrics.
Unless it is a newly created course, I generally use a rubric from a current instructor (best-practices). This way I know the rubric is tested and appropriate.
I have never used an online rubric generator, but a quick searched revealed the following sources: rubistar and iRubric.
M Boddy
Ed,
Love Rubistar and use it often. It is nice how you can tweak them to meet your needs. Thanks.
Rubistar is a website that helps educators from K-12 by providing templates in various disciplines which helps to design a basic rubric from the beginning. It is inexpensive, which is also a big advantage.
