Purpose of Rubrics
Rubrics are useful for assessing performances and products. For performances, you may observe the learner in the process of doing something, like using a welding torch or playing the guitar. For products, you evaluate the end result, like a written report or a piece of art.
Rubrics give structure to observations of a performance or final product. Matching your observations of a learner’s work to the descriptions in the rubric avoids the judgment that can occur during evaluations. The rubric also provides descriptions of the performance or product that can be used for feedback and further teaching.
Rubrics can be used as alternatives to checklists and other forms of assessment.
Types of Rubrics
Analytic
An analytic rubric separates the characteristics of an assignment into parts, allowing the instructor to categorize and define exactly what each level of achievement looks like.
Holistic
Holistic rubrics allow you to assess students’ overall performance on an activity or assessment based on a single scale using predefined achievement levels.
Single-Point
Single-Point rubrics outline the success criteria for an assessment; however it leaves room on either side of the criteria for written feedback about meeting expectations and areas for improvement.