Developing a Rubric

Lightbulb sitting on a desk with an open notebook and laptop.

In This Section

Use the process outlined in the following interactive element. Use the menu bar (☰) on the left or the arrows on the right to view the content on all seven (7) pages.

Note

The performance levels should go from highest on the left, and scale down moving right.

Tip

When developing descriptors, consider completing the “Meets Expectations” (or similarly chosen verb) first. In this, outline the expected student performance on the assignment. From there, build the categories below and above. If it is challenging to create unique performance criteria in all columns, consider removing one.

Check your understanding

Creating a Rubric in DC Connect

For instructions on building a rubric in DC Connect, please watch the video below.

For an alternate format, please read instructions for building a rubric.

Tip

As always, for support creating or revising rubrics, or adding them into DC Connect, please reach out to the CTL.

Using GenAI to Support Rubric Creation

Generative AI can be a useful tool to help in rubric creation. By providing a detailed prompt for the type of rubric, number of performance levels, and assignment instructions, a first draft can be created to build from. The stronger the prompt, including specific assessment information (e.g. CLOs, EESOs, instructions, weighting, etc.) the stronger rubric will be.

An example prompt to provide to GenAI could be: “Please create me an analytical rubric based on the attached assignment. It should have # levels of performance, with the highest level on the left including a level 0 for lack of meeting the criteria. The criteria should be pulled from the project instructions, Course Learning Outcomes, and deliverable. Ask any follow up questions, do not make assumptions.” Please ensure to upload the assignment instructions along with the prompt.

For further support on rubric creation using Generative AI, explore this open access course created by the University of Sydney, for some additional prompt suggestions for rubric creation. The CTL also has a page on How to Write a Prompt to Engage with Generative AI written by one of our Generative AI Consultants.

Note

Durham College (DC) recommends using Copilot for queries related to assessments and evaluation. As we have a subscription with our Microsoft accounts, there is privacy associated with its use. Therefore, the assignment information will not be used to train the language models, keeping the intellectual property inside DC.

Tip

Check out the CTL website for more tips on how to use Generative AI in your teaching. To learn more about and apply Generative AI for use in teaching, check out the monthly PD sessions hosted by the CTL.

Wise Practices for Rubric Creation

Regardless of the rubric type chosen for assessments, it is important to follow consistent practices including:

    • Have unique rubrics for each assignment.
    • Limit the rubric to 1 page in length for reading ease where possible.
    • Provide the rubric with the assignment and use it to provide feedback.
    • Leverage rubrics for time management.
    • Use descriptive and student friendly language.
    • Add rubrics to DC Connect.
    • Be prepared to revise each time the assessment is used.
    • Where possible, consider developing rubrics with student input, or ask for their feedback. This provides a sense of ownership with the work which can improve assessment quality.

Assessment (and evaluation) is an ongoing process. It is okay to not get it right the first time, keep trying! As always, the CTL is here to provide additional support, head to our contact page to send us an email or book a meeting with one of our Teaching and Learning Consultants.