So, what is a rubric? Formally defined, a rubric is a “…coherent set of criteria for students’ work that includes descriptions of levels of performance quality on the criteria” (Brookhart, 2013, p. 4). In short, rubrics distinguish between levels of student performance on a given activity. More broadly, a rubric is an evaluation tool that has three distinguishing features: evaluative criteria, quality definitions, and a scoring strategy (Popham, 2000). 

Evaluative criteria represent the dimensions on which a student activity or artifact (ex., an assignment) is evaluated. 

Quality definitions comprise qualitative descriptions that distinguish student performance across a continuum for a given criterion. 

The scoring strategy articulates the process of converting the qualitative evaluations of student performance related to each criterion into an overall judgment of the quality of the artifact.

Blackboard Rubrics

Create Rubrics in Blackboard Ultra.

Where can I use Blackboard Ultra Rubrics?

• Assignments
• Essay, Short Answer, and File Response test questions
• Journals
• Discussions

Tips/Best Practices

• Define Criteria
  • Ensure rubric criteria align with learning outcomes
  • Clearly define criteria and performance levels
  • Use rubrics to assess both process and product
• Clarity and Communication
  • Limit the number to the most important criteria
  • Use student-friendly language that avoids jargon and negative language
  • Communicate rubric expectations
  • Provide examples
• Specify Achievement Levels
  • Use at least three performance levels with clear descriptions
  • Use terms that are not subjective, overly negative, or convey judgments
  • Write full descriptions beginning with what an exemplary example would look like
  • Describe measurable behavior
• Effective Feedback
  • Provide targeted feedback that is specific to student strengths and areas for improvement
  • Connect feedback to rubric criteria

Examples of Exemplary Rubrics

The Association of American Colleges & Universities created a series of high-quality rubrics, VALUE rubrics covering critical intellectual and practical skills. There are a total of 16 rubrics that are open-source and available to download from their website AACU VALUE Rubrics.  

Resources

• Arizona State University Best Practices for Designing Effective Rubrics, including links to exemplary rubrics
• Syracuse University - Examples of Rubrics – Rubrics listed by topic, intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and integrative and applied learning.
• Carnegie Mellon University, Eberly Center, Creating and Using Rubrics
• CAST Professional Learning UDL Tips for Assessments
• Instructional Design Services
• University of Minnesota Holistic Writing Rubric Example
• University of Waterloo - Rubrics: Useful Assessment Tool - Appendix has a sample of a holistic participation rubric.