I really enjoyed this article about rubrics. Rubrics are a great way for teachers to communicate with their students exactly what is expected. Rubrics improve students performance by making teachers' expectations clear and by showing the students how to meet these expectations. Rubrics are used as a self guide and allows students to become increasingly able to spot and solve problems on their own and make improvements when all criteria isn't met.
Rubrics also allow students to do the best work that they are capable of doing. Teachers get a good idea of which students are stronger in certain areas and having a rubric allows a teacher to accommodate those students who need a little extra help. One of the tips on designing a rubric is to avoid unnecessary negative language. Showing the students exactly what you want instead of what you don't want will help them go back and revise their work and make it the best work with the guidelines that you gave them. Anything that helps a student understand exactly what is expected of them will make their lives easier as well as the teachers and parents lives. I'm glad I chose this article to read. I know rubrics will help me help my students!
Ashely,
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will agree with me that having teacher expectations out their makes our job as the student much easier to do. For example Stacey is always providing us with rubrics to use in her class and for me it clearly tells me what her expectations are for a particular assignment. I definitely want to provide this same type of guideline for my students so that they are clear on what I am looking for in an assignment. Another bonus is I think it helps parents understand what the assignment is and how to better assist in the learning process. I also was struck by the point that you brought up about not using negative language on a rubric. I think that this is an important key because I think that automatically can effect the mindset of a student. Thanks for sharing about your article!