What is a Rubric?
A rubric is an assessment tool, often shaped like a matrix, what describes levels of achievement in a specific area of performance, understanding, or behavior.
A scoring rubric has three dimensions:
- Identifies a rating scale that describes levels of achievement. The rating scale may be numerical (using numbers to define a scale), qualitative (using words to describe levels), or both.
- Lists criteria for the assignment to be scored.
- Provides a description for each criteria and level within the rating scale. The criteria descriptions provide the standards defined for each performance level.
It is the combination of these dimensions that assists the scorer to define the level of a student's performance.
Meaning in Teaching and Learning
Rubrics become meaningful when developed by instructors as they assist in clarifying the purpose of an assignment and the levels of expected outcomes. Value is added to the use of rubrics when they are shared with students as the assignment is given. Students then have the opportunity to review their own work in relation to expectations. Samples of student work that illustrate each level of the rating scale are helpful to the learning process.
Two Rubric Formats
There are two main types of rubrics - Analytic and Holistic
The Analytic Rubric displays the description for each criteria and scale level matrix format.
Analytic Oral Presentation Rubric
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Criteria |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaks Clearly | Rarely speaks clearly and distinctly. | Speaks clearly and distinctly some of the time. | Speaks clearly and distinctly most of the time. | Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time. |
| Speaks with Enthusiasm (Engaging) | Seldom uses facial expressions and body language. Seldom generates a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others. | Sometimes uses facial expressions and body language. Sometimes generates a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others. | Frequently uses facial expressions and body language. Frequently generates a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others. | Consistently uses facial expressions and body language. Consistently generates a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others. |
| Speaks in a Confident Manner | Rarely stands up straight. Rarely establishes eye contact during the presentation. | Stands up straight some of the time. Sometimes establishes eye contact during the presentation. | Stands up straight most of the time. Establishes eye contact with most everyone in the room during the presentation. | Stands up straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation. |
The Holistic Rubric combines criteria for each scale level.
Holistic Oral Presentation Rubric
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4
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3
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2
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1
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Rubric Resources
Updated: April 24, 2023