This document discusses how rubrics can improve learning. It defines a rubric as an explicit set of criteria and quality indicators that can serve as a tool for formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment asks how learning can be improved, while summative assessment determines a grade. Rubrics clarify expectations for students and aid uniform grading. They can be used before, during, and after assignments to guide work and provide feedback. The document provides examples of rubrics for writing, projects, and self-assessment and suggests steps to create effective rubrics.

1. Using Rubrics toImprove Learning Gail Matthews-DeNatale, Ph.D. Associate Dean, Emmanuel College Special Thanks to Simmons College Blended Learning Initiative

2. What is a rubric? Explicit Set of Criteria, Indicators Describes a Spectrum of Quality Serves as a Tool for Assessment and Evaluation

3. Assessment vs. Evaluation Assessment (formative) Asks the question “What would make the learning better?” … forms learning Improves works-in-progress, quality of writing, participation, etc. Evaluation (summative) Determines the worth, assigns a grade, sums things up

4. Types of Rubrics Course Specific Assignments Groupwork Participation Institution- or Program-Wide Writing Professional or Disciplinary Standards

5. Example: Writing Rubric

6. Rubric Uses Before beginning an assignment Clarify your own (assumed) expectations to make them explicit for your students Explain assignment rationale Help students understand the Larger picture Constituent elements Connections between assignment and goals

7. Example: Project Rubric

8. Rubric Uses During an assignment: Tool for peer feedback and self-assessment Anytime, anyplace support and guidance

9. Example: Self/Peer Assessment

10. Rubric Uses After an assignment Saves time in scoring Makes expected quality of performance explicit Aids uniformity in grading

11. Suggestions Determine desired learning outcomes Consider professional competencies and/or disciplinary elements Divide task into different skills Define success Articulate and label the levels of performance Get feedback!

12. Why are rubrics useful online? Peer review Guides independent student work Clarifies expectations Anytime support

13. Handouts About Rubrics Rubric on Rubrics