An Assessment For Learning

A rubric is a scoring tool that lists the criteria for a piece of work, or “what counts” and clearly defines gradations of quality for each criterion, from excellent to poor.

Definition:

Rubrics:

• is an authentic assessment tool which is particularly useful in assessing criteria which are complex and subjective.;

• give clear, concise written sets of expectations;• articulate gradations of quality for each criterion;• clearly show students how their work is being

evaluated;• communicate detailed explanations of what

constitutes excellence;• serve as a means for clarifying expectations for

assignments and experiences;

Why use Rubrics?

• The purpose of using rubrics is to provide a more systematic way of describing/evaluating phenomena that are more qualitative than quantitative in nature.

• Examples would be writing ability, relationship development, critical thinking, moral reasoning, etc.

How can rubrics be used in assessment for learning by teachers?

Teachers can use rubrics when they:• plan for student learning• monitor the progress of student learning

during a task or activity• assess the completed task or activity• provide feedback to students• report to parents.

How can rubrics be used in assessment for learning by students?

Students can use rubrics:• when they plan their work • during the performance of the task or activity• at the completion of the task.

How can rubrics be used in assessment for learning by peers?

Students can support each other’s learning using rubrics. They can:• assist in the monitoring of progress during a

task• assess the completed task• provide feedback.

“Rubrics can improve student performance, as well as monitor it, by making teachers' expectations clear and by showing students how to meet these expectations. The result is often marked improvements in the quality of student work and in learning. Thus, the most common argument for using rubrics is they help define "quality."

Rubrics: •Make expectations clear•Help students judge own work•Reduce time spent evaluating•Easy to use and explain•Make scoring fair and consistent

Advantages of Rubrics

How rubrics help:

• For Courses: – Rubrics enable faculty to clearly communicate expectations

for student performance to students. They support more consistent and objective assessment of student work. They also facilitate detailed feedback to students. When areas of strength and weakness in performance are marked on an essay rubric, students more easily comprehend the reasoning behind their professor’s assessment of their work.

• For Student Outcomes Assessment: – Rubrics facilitate quality conversations among faculty

about student learning, shorten the time it takes to do SOA, and contribute to the validity and reliability of the assessment process.

- Stevens and Levi, Ch. 2