Rubrics for teaching Rubrics for learning Dannelle D

Rubrics for teaching Rubrics for learning Dannelle D. Stevens, Ph. D. Portland State University

Overview of Keynote 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What is a rubric? Do you “need” a rubric? What do rubrics have to do with learning? How do rubrics narrow the gap between teaching & learning? What effects do rubrics have on student learning? What effects do rubrics have on your teaching?

What is a rubric? l A rubric is a way to grade student work. It is a description of the assignment or task laid out on a grid. l It has 4 basic parts: – TASK DESCRIPTION – DIMENSIONS – SCALE or levels of performance – DESCRIPTION OF THE DIMENSIONS

A rubric looks like this….

The word “rubric” comes from… l l From Latin, “rubrica” red earth for coloring, red chalk. That part of any work in early manuscripts and typography which was colored red, to distinguish it from other portions. A heading printed in red or a special type…. A rubric today retains its connection to authoritative rule and particularly to “redness. ” Rubrics divide an assignment up into its component parts and provide a detailed description of what constitutes acceptable or unacceptable leves of performance for each of its parts.

Do you need a rubric? l If you agree with at least three of the following statements, you need a rubric…

What do rubrics have to do with student learning? l l l 1. Developmental differences 2. Life experiences 3. Paragraph reading ====> Constructivism…. Learners construct meaning based on their own experience….

The communication gap

How do rubrics narrow the gap between learning and teaching? l l l One way……. Students like rubrics… “It was the reason I took this class. Someone said you had clear rubrics. ” “clarity, clarity” “Rubrics help break down the assignment into digestible parts in a very clear, organized manner. ” “I find that I read the rubric, write my paper and then go back to check to see if I have everything. If not, I add. I often put in more that the rubric states. ” “I loved them”

What effect do rubrics have on student learning? l l Increase student learning through better, more timely feedback Increases motivation because of clear expectations Guide students to be more independent learners, monitor their own work better: increase metacognition Improve communication with tutors, writing center, peers

What effect do rubrics have on your teaching? l l l Reduce grading time More consistency in grading Fewer office visits by befuddled students Less time in class describing a complex assignment Able to check where students are not learning- organization, ideas, formatting? ? Greater clarity for you, too.

A final note l Let’s narrow the gap between what we teach and what students learn by using rubrics….