Rubrics

Rubrics are a useful tool for assessing student work. They show students what they need to do to be successful and reduce subjective grading through the inclusion of specific and detailed criteria. By providing a detailed and consistent breakdown of the expectations at various levels of performance, educators can examine each assessment through the same lens and mark consistently. Rubrics can also save time while marking.

Successful implementation of a rubric relies on it being:

• Specific and detailed but offers some flexibility for creative assessments.
• Issued to students at the same time as the assessment/assignment instructions.
• Reviewed and revised with the students before use, and following use, with feedback to address any gaps.

When used effectively, rubrics have many benefits for students including:

• Provide timely and detailed feedback that students can use to improve their performance.
• Encourage critical thinking and self-evaluation.
• Communicate expectations to students in a clear and detailed fashion.
• Break down the essential components of a task.
• Encourage transparent, objective, and consistent evaluation.