A grading rubric is an educational assessment tool that is used as a guide for grading criteria. A rubric is a written document that spells out the point values of various assignment components, provides instructions and communicates any other necessary information regarding the assignment. They help to ensure that students understand the manner in which their assignments, participation, class conduct or other academic aspect will be scored. Keep reading to learn more about grading rubrics, they ways in which they can be used and their benefits.
About Grading Rubrics
Grading rubrics provide a thorough description of the grading criteria that is to be used for aspects of a class, primarily with regard to assignments. The rubric sets forth the levels of performance quality and assigns a point value to each. The overarching purpose of such tools is to assess student performance. However, well-written rubrics serve a number of useful purposes. There are two types of grading rubrics. These are holistic rubrics and analytic rubrics. Holistic rubrics use group headings to classify different criteria for assessment. Analytic rubrics take an entirely different approach by simply listing all criteria separately and addressing each.
Benefits of Rubrics
There are several benefits to using a grading rubric, for both teachers and students. One of the fundamental advantages is that rubrics provide a clear understanding of the assignment and shows students the specific ways in which each component will be graded. Such a presentation limits student questions or misunderstandings and provides the teacher with a reference point in cases of dispute. A rubric makes it easier for instructors to explain to students the specific ways in which their work may have been lacking and what they needed to do to receive a better grade in a manner that they can clearly understand. Grading rubrics are an efficient time-saving measure for instructors. No longer will the same comment need to be written repeatedly for common errors. Students can simply look to the rubric for an explanation of scoring.
Effective Use of Rubrics
It is essential that certain components exist in order for a rubric to be effective. In addition, each aspect must be written clearly. Otherwise, there really is no point in using one. The necessary criteria that is required for outstanding performance by students should be concisely listed. The levels of achievement should come next. These don’t need to be overly complicated, but should include enough information to give an understanding of expectations. Every assignment needs to have its own rubric in order to be effectively utilized. Students receive a copy when the task is assigned so that they have a guide to follow as they work and that they understand expectations. They then turn the rubric in with the assignment so that the instructor can include scores and comments for returning to the student.
As you can see, grading rubrics are a useful tool in streamlining the grading process. They allow provide a way for both students and instructors to be clearly understood. Perhaps that’s why a grading rubric has become standard use in so many classrooms across the country and at all education levels.
