A rubric or marking grid is a tool that lists evaluation criteria against level of achievement for an assignment or an assessed piece of work. It clearly indicates and explains marking criteria to students and markers. The use of a rubric or marking grid ensures consistency in the evaluation of students' work
Instructors can use a marking grid as a planning tool whereas students can use them for self-assessment. The use or rubrics for assessment and feedback is recommended by the university’s Assessment and Feedback guidelines.
Example of a typical rubric
Criteria | 50-59% | 60-69% | 70-79% | 80-100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Spelling and grammar | Several errors | A few errors | Some errors | No errors |
Knowledge of | Demonstrates limited knowledge of forms, conventions, terminology, and strategies | Demonstrates some knowledge of forms, conventions, terminology, and strategies | Demonstrates considerable knowledge of forms, conventions, terminology, and strategies | Demonstrates thorough and insightful knowledge of forms, conventions, terminology, and strategies |
Critical and creative thinking skills | Uses critical and creative thinking skills with limited effectiveness | Uses critical and creative thinking skills with moderate effectiveness | Uses critical and creative thinking skills with considerable effectiveness | Uses critical and creative thinking skills with a high degree of effectiveness |
Communication of information and ideas | Communicates information and ideas with limited clarity | Communicates information and ideas with some clarity | Communicates information and ideas with considerable clarity | Communicates information and ideas with a high degree of clarity and with confidence |
The rows correspond to the various criteria for an assignment. The columns correspond to the level of achievement expressed for each criterion. A description and point value for each cell in the rubric defines the evaluation and score of an assignment.
A typical marking rubric contains the assessment marking criteria, the level scale and the associated level descriptors. Marking criteria will elaborate on the module learning outcome(s) and will provide the finer detail of what is expected in submitted work. The associated descriptors will differentiate between levels of performance.