Creating a perfect rubric is elusive. Writing a good rubric is challenging. Developing a meaningful rubric is critical. This workshop focuses on expanding rubrics in the course development and evaluation process into a powerful teaching and evaluation tool. We will look at various types of rubrics and build on experiences of participants to construct rubrics which can be easily modified to make a consistent grading tool and connect assignments to objectives. The workshop will then identify simple tactics which can leverage rubric criteria to strengthen fundamental program objectives to allow more focus to be placed on the course content. The activities will conclude with a review of where rubrics fit into QM Rubrics and the sharing of comments which can be included in course reviews.
In most courses, rubrics are an underutilized resource. In many cases the rubric seems to be an obligatory addition with minimal value to the learner, instructor, or course design. Relegation of rubrics to a check mark on the lists of course requirements belays their potential value in fully connecting learning outcomes to learning objectives. In Standards 2.4, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, and 5.2 course reviews often highlight the value of rubrics in building this relationship. The QM Higher Education Rubric, Sixth Edition, includes rubrics as an example of what to look for in Standard 3.3. The workshop will examine these standards from the perspective of instructors, designers, and reviewers.
