It’s been a moment, but here is the sequel to our Backward Design, pt. 1. In this post, we’ll dive into transparent assignment design and rubrics for assessment and grading.
Here’s a refresher on backward design:
We want to emphasize that transparency is key and to set goals first when working with backward design. This is especially important when creating assignments that you will be using to assess your students’ learning. Consider this when creating your assignments:
Check for alignment with your course goals/learning objectives
Include transparent objectives & criteria for assessment
Use language that students will understand (clarity and brevity)
Make sure expectations are clear for students. Share:
Description of the assignment
Purpose of the assignment (include the connected learning outcomes)
Tasks/steps to complete the assignment
Assessment criteria/how the work will be graded
Deadlines
Expectations/how to succeed in the assignment
Build in time for students to practice and receive/apply feedback
Will there be rough drafts, peer review, practice problems/quizzes, in-class activities, UCLA Library WI+RE tutorials, etc.
While we’re on the topic of assignment design, let’s talk about assessing with rubrics. A rubric is a scoring tool that transparently defines performance expectations. It is often framed as a scorecard with multiple categories where students can earn and lose points, as well as receive feedback on a particular area or overall feedback.
Rubrics do take time to build, but benefits students greatly:
Helps students achieve goals —when provided before the submission due date, students can use the rubric see where to apply effort and by how much
Useful to support students as they are conducting self/peer review (when provided in advance)
Helps instructors grade equitably and efficiently
As you craft rubrics, here are some key considerations:
Define criteria clearly —but be wary of trying to anticipate everything, instead, pair the rubric with tips such as common strengths, weaknesses, or examples
If using points, make sure you give yourself a range —and test how points map onto your overall grading scale
Consider building rubrics together with students (and TAs) — great for projects and group work!
Further Reading and Additional Resources
Grading and Performance Rubrics, from Carnegie Mellon Eberly Center
Draw inspiration from the examples of rubrics designed by Carnegie Mellon faculty and faculty at other institutions.
Know Your Terms: Holistic, Analytic, and Single-Point Rubrics, by the Cult of Pedagogy
Rubrics can come in different forms. Learn about two frequently used kinds of rubrics, holistic and analytic, and one called the single-point rubric. This article also includes the advantages and disadvantages of each kind. Plus, templates for each kind are included!
Rubrics: Why, How, and Examples, by UCLA CEILS
CEILS has collected some of their favorite resources on why and how to use rubrics, with many examples.
VALUE rubrics, from American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
AAC&U’s approach to authentic assessment lead them to Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE). “VALUE is an authentic approach to assessment designed to articulate and measure the skills, abilities, and dispositions that students need and that parents, policymakers, and employers demand.” They share approaches and rubric examples to help assess core undergraduate competencies like critical thinking, oral communication, and more.
Co-creating rubrics with students, from Colorado University’s Center for Teaching & Learning
Co-creating rubrics with students allows student to build agency in assessing their learning, and also has the potential to engage them in higher order thinking and evaluation. Read approaches to co-creating rubrics with your students as well as some applications from Colorado University faculty.
How to do I add a rubric to an assignment, from the Canvas Community
Follow these steps to add a rubric to your assignments in Bruin Learn! Rubrics are visible the moment you add them, so be sure to share them ahead of the assignment due date.