Using Rubrics in Project Work Terry Rhodes Institute

Using Rubrics in Project Work Terry Rhodes Institute on Project-Based Learning June 18, 2020 1

Why are we here? Who am I? 2

What is a rubric? • Document that articulates expectations for a project • Creates circumstances for dependable judgments about the quality of work to be made 3 Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Components of a Rubric Criteria Levels Performance Descriptors 4 Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Assignment Variables Purpose INTRODUCE PRACTICE REINFORCE MASTERY Assignment designed to designed for introduce the afford reinforce students to outcome student previously demonstrate practice with practiced level of the outcome mastery of the outcome 1 Benchmark 2 3 4 Milestone 1 5 6 Milestone 2 7 8 Capstone Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Assignment Variables • Faculty intentionality per rubric dimension • % of final course grade that the submitted assignment represents • Assignment “difficulty” Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Assignments Matter: Implications • Assignment design critical • Question is not “Is it a good assignment? ” • Question is “Does it align? ” Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Why use rubrics? • Convey quality standards to students • Support student self- and peerassessment • Evaluate programs • Assess student work • Proactively create a basis for having rational discussions with students when grade disputes arise 8 Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Examples of Types of Rubrics 9

Example of Generic (Program) Rubrics and Grading Rubrics 10

What are the costs and benefits of using rubrics for your students’ project work? 11

Terrel Rhodes Association of American Colleges and Universities Rhodes@aacu. org 12