Rubrics

With holistic rubrics, all criteria are assessed as a single score. Holistic rubrics are good for evaluating overall performance on a task, and because only one score is given, scoring is typically quicker and easier

Advantages: 

• Emphasis on what the learner is able to demonstrate, rather than what s/he cannot do.
• Saves time by minimizing the number of decisions raters make.
• Can be applied consistently by trained raters increasing reliability.

Disadvantages:

• Does not provide specific feedback for improvement.
• When student work is at varying levels spanning the criteria points it can be difficult to select the single best description.
• Criteria cannot be weighted.

Steps to create a holistic rubric:

1. Determine all the skills and abilities students need to demonstrate in order to achieve the learning outcome(s). For example, clarity, organization, and grammar.
2. Determine the appropriate levels of accomplishment. For example, needs improvement, developing, sufficient, and above average.
3. Write the overall descriptions of how a student would demonstrate the learning outcome for each level of accomplishment. When creating a holistic rubric this step cannot be skipped.

Take a look at the sample rubrics compiled by CELT.

With analytical rubrics, each criterion is assessed separately, using different descriptive ratings. Each criterion receives a separate score, and therefore takes more time to use but provides more detailed feedback.

Advantages:

• Provide useful feedback on areas of strength and weakness.
• Criterion can be weighted to reflect the relative importance of each dimension.

Disadvantages:

• Takes more time to create and use than a holistic rubric.
• Unless each point for each criterion is well-defined raters may not arrive at the same score

Steps to create an analytical rubric (Beckett & Hager, 2022)

1. Identify the learning objectives or goals: Before creating an analytical rubric, you need to identify the learning objectives or goals you want your students to achieve. These goals should be clear, specific, and measurable.
2. Select the assessment criteria: Once you have identified the learning objectives, you need to select the assessment criteria. These are the specific skills or knowledge areas that you want your students to demonstrate in their work.
3. Define the performance levels: Next, you need to define the performance levels for each criterion. These levels describe the degree to which a student has achieved the learning objective. Typically, there are four or five levels, ranging from "below expectations" to "exceeds expectations."
4. Create a rubric table: Create a table that lists the criteria, the performance levels, and the descriptors for each level. The descriptors should be specific and clear, so that students know exactly what they need to do to achieve a certain level.
5. Align the rubric with the learning objectives and standards: Ensure that the rubric aligns with the learning objectives and any relevant standards or benchmarks.
6. Test or norm the rubric: Before using the rubric, test it with a small group of students or colleagues to ensure that it is valid and reliable. You can also conduct a more formal norming process, which is suggested if more than one instructor or grader will be using the rubric.
7. Use the rubric: Finally, use the rubric to assess student work. Provide feedback to students based on the rubric, and use it to guide your instruction and improve student learning.

Take a look at the sample rubrics compiled by CELT.

A single-point rubric is a simplified assessment tool that lists only the proficient level of performance. This rubric format allows for feedback on how or where a student was successful and/or exceeded expectations, and where there is room for improvement. It is commonly used for providing formative feedback, rather than for grading of high-stakes assignments.

Advantages

• Encourages Individualized feedback from instructors
• Promotes a growth mindset by focusing on strengths and opportunities for improvement
• Allows students to self-assess their performance
• Easier for students to read and digest than a more extensive analytical rubric

Disadvantages

• Providing feedback can be more time intensive 
• Lacks the ability to apply precise grades to student work (typically used for formative or low-stakes assessments)
• Students have fewer example descriptions of what constitutes work that falls short of or exceeds expectations

Steps to Creating a Single Point Rubric

1. Identify criteria that align with the stated learning outcome(s). Aim to limit the number of criteria used (5 or fewer is ideal).
2. Describe proficient work for each criteria, using language understandable to students
3. Design the layout: Create a three-column table, with the proficiency criteria in the center column, with the surrounding columns open for qualitative feedback.
4. The left column is typically for identifying opportunities for improvement
5. The right column is typically for identifying areas of excellence
6. Decide on grading. Is the rubric exclusively for formative feedback, or do you need to assign points for whether or not the student met the proficient level of performance on each criteria. Quick tip: avoid using single-point rubrics to grade high-stakes/summative assessments.
7. Review and Test: Ensure the descriptions of proficient work are detailed enough and understandable by trying it out with students.

Take a look at the sample rubrics compiled by CELT.