Multi-Focal Rubric Development: Bringing the Big Picture Vision Through Multiple Viewpoints

An important component of facilitating learning is the development of clearly measurable rubrics that assist the learner to understand what s/he will need to be able to demonstrate and accomplish to achieve the specific learning outcomes related to a given assignment or deliverable. In higher level learning opportunities (high school, college, university, and corporate), many assignments and learning activities are related to more than one learning outcome. For example, a research paper may provide demonstration of several learning outcomes related to the specific topic or discipline, application of specific methodology, and demonstration of writing and formatting skills. For this type of assignment, a single component rubric may not provide a clear path for assessment, even if all of the specific learning outcomes to be addressed are included in the narrative. In this session, participants will learn strategies and methods for developing multi-focal rubrics that provide learners with a clear and focused picture of what needs to be accomplished to achieve specific learning outcomes. This will include reflection on the existing structure and process for rubric development at the participants’ institution as well as the identification of a specific assignment/learning assessment that is used to demonstrate achievement of multiple learning outcomes, concluding with a takehome framework for multi-focal rubrics.