Analytic Rubrics

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Infographic Rubric Image

Infographic Rubric” by Cambrian College is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

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.

There are three main components of an analytic rubric:

  • Dimensions/categories with descriptions, if needed
  • Scale (usually 3-5 levels in a rubric scale)
  • Task descriptions based on scale

Advantages

  • allows learners to plan their assessment according to the descriptors in the rubric
  • gives learners a clear picture of why they achieved the grade they received
  • allows instructor to grade more fairly; free of judgments 
  • each set of criteria is evaluated separately providing students with formative feedback on each criteria, like where their strengths and weaknesses are

Disadvantages

  • creation of quality analytic rubrics takes a lot of time upfront
  • use of vague descriptions or inconsistent descriptions renders a rubric useless for grading and feedback
  • can place more emphasis on the technical aspects of an assignment and thus miss deeper levels of cognition and creativity

Examples of Analytic Rubrics

Low & No Tech (Paper-based)

Paper-based analytic rubrics created using word processor:

Using Tech (Within and Outside of Moodle)