Rubrics

What are Rubrics?

A rubric is a measurement/scoring tool that provides clear and direct expectations for an assignment
in a face-to-face, hybrid or online class.

Rubrics provide clear descriptions of the characteristics of the work associated with each element at
the levels of mastery. They can be used for a variety of assignments such as online discussion
groups, research papers, group projects, oral presentations, case studies, etc.

Why use Rubrics?

For the
instructor:

Grading
Reducing time Stay on task: Coordination:
consistency

Reducing
uncertainty and
Having a set criteria
by allowing
of measurable
instructors to
outcomes helps Rubrics help
refer to the
ensure that the keep teachers Rubrics help
rubric
instructor’s grading focused on coordinate instruction
description
standards don’t criteria, not and assessments.
associated with
change over time tasks.
a score rather
especially with big
than having to
classes.
write long
comments.
For the student:
Monitor progress: Students will have the ability to assess their progress as they complete
assignments. Rubrics give students the opportunity to do self-assessment to reflect on the learning
process.

Recognizing strengths and weaknesses: Students have an opportunity to review what they need to
work on.

Integrating Rubrics into Blackboard Learn

Our Learning Management System (LMS), Blackboard, allows you to create rubrics directly in the
system and link them to assignments. Faculty members can pull up the correct rubric and grade the
related assignment submissions or attempts directly in the rubric grid. Final grades are inserted in
the corresponding column in the Grade Center and the graded rubric can be made available to
students so that they can see how their submission was graded.