Jane Schmidt-Wilk, Ph.D. Maharishi University of Management Make Grading Easy by Using Rubrics: Giving Students the Blueprint of Creation Jane Schmidt-Wilk, Ph.D. Maharishi University of Management

Wholeness Rubrics make our expectations visible to students, thus increasing the likelihood that they will understand our assignments and perform as well as we desire. A vision of the goal inspires aspirants on the path of evolution.

Overview What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How to construct a rubric How to use rubrics Why use rubrics? Where to learn more about rubrics

Overview What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How to construct a rubric How to use rubrics Why use rubrics? Where to learn more about rubrics

What is a rubric? “Scoring tool that lays out specific expectations for an assignment” (Stevens & Levi, 2005). Divides an assignment into its component parts Provides a detailed description of what constitutes acceptable or unacceptable levels of performance on each part

Rubrics are like Blueprints Teacher: Guide to scoring an assignment Student: Guide to drafting an assignment

What can be graded using a rubric? Research papers Book critiques Laboratory reports Portfolios … Discussion participation Group work Oral presentations …

Title Task Description Scale level 1 Scale level 2 Scale level 3 Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4

What is a rubric? Five elements of a rubric Title Task description Scale Dimensions Descriptions of the dimensions

Sample rubrics See handouts

Scale: Commonly used sets of labels Sophisticated, competent, partly competent, not yet competent Exemplary, proficient, marginal, unacceptable Advanced, high, intermediate, novice Accomplished, average, developing. Beginning Excellent, competent, needs work

Dimensions Lay out components of the task Identify which components are most important

Dimensions May correspond to Different learning objectives Components of one learning objective

Description of the dimensions Description of highest or ideal level of performance (A) Descriptions of common ways student work does not meet the ideal Differences between ideal and real (B) Emphasis on what might have been accomplished but was not (C)

Main Point 1 Rubrics are scoring tools that help clarify one’s expectations about the assignment and the range of performance possibilities from acceptable to unacceptable. When our desires are clear, Nature is more likely to support.

Overview What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How to construct a rubric How to use rubrics Why use rubrics? Where to learn more about rubrics

Why do rubrics make grading easier and faster? Establish consistency and focus Establish performance anchors Focus on what we expect in all papers Evaluate all papers in same way Evaluate all papers in same sequence

Why do rubrics make grading easier and faster? Gain speed Circle or check descriptions of dimensions Write only a few well-chosen words

Why do rubrics make grading easier and faster? Assign grades Sum up points assigned to descriptions Maintain objectivity in assigning grades Convey impression of fairness to students

Main Point 2 The planning involved in designing rubrics, in which we clarify the relationship between learning objectives and levels of performance, makes the grading process easier because we separate the steps: while grading, we don’t have to think about what will be graded or how. Effective planning depends on the clarity of the mind, which is readily gained by the regular experience of transcending.

Overview What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How to construct a rubric How to use rubrics? Why use rubrics? Where to learn more about rubrics

How to construct a rubric Reflect on assignment List specific learning objectives and assignment details Group and label related ideas Construct matrix Start with 3 scale levels Highest level (Ah!!) Lowest level (Na!) Middle level

How to construct a rubric Design individually Design in collaboration with: Students Tutors and teaching assistants Colleagues

Overview What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How to construct a rubric How to use rubrics? Why use rubrics? Where to learn more about rubrics

How to use rubrics Design in advance (when designing assignment) Distribute in syllabus Use in grading Return to student with assignment Revise before reusing

Overview What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How to construct a rubric How to use rubrics Why use rubrics? Where to learn more about rubrics

Why use rubrics? Clarify expectations Encourage critical thinking Facilitate communication with others Help students assess their own performance Help students plan …

Why use rubrics? Increase fairness in the evaluation process Increase ownership of learning outcomes Level the playing field Prepare students to use detailed feedback Reduce time spent on grading without sacrificing quality of developmental feedback

Why use rubrics? Refine our teaching skills Signal respect for students’ performance Signal the importance of the assignment Stimulate reflection on links between learning activities, objectives, assessment Structure learning that students must address …and probably more!

Why use rubrics? Make grading easier and faster: Establish performance anchors: consistent and focused Provide detailed, formative feedback: gain speed by circling or checking descriptors amd Support individualized flexible, formative feedback Convey summative feedback (grade)

Main Point 3 A few simple procedures of creating, distributing and using rubrics can bring both students and faculty a broad range of benefits in the teaching and learning process. Scientific research indicates that the simple procedure of the Transcendental Meditation technique brings a wide range of benefits not only to the practitioner but also to his or her environment.

Overview What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How to construct a rubric How to use rubrics Why use rubrics? Where to learn more about rubrics

URL for More Resources http://styluspub.com/resources/introductiontorubrics.aspx

References Arter, J. & McTighe, J. (2001). Scoring rubrics in the classroom. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin. Stevens, D.D. & Levi, A.J. (2005). Introduction to rubrics. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

Summary What is a rubric? Why do rubrics make grading easier? How do I create rubrics? How should I use rubrics? Why use rubrics? Where can I learn more about rubrics?

Questions?

Connecting the Parts of Knowledge with the Wholeness of Knowledge Benefits of Using Rubrics Rubrics make grading easier because more of the work involved in grading occurs in the planning and preparation phase when the course and assignments are being designed. Rubrics make the grading process fairer because they make the link between learning objectives and how they are assessed in performance more explicit. ________________________________________________________ Transcendental Consciousness is the field of infinite organizing power. Impulses within the transcendental field: The Veda is the blueprint of creation, the impulses of organizing power that organize nature’s orderly evolution. Wholeness moving within itself: In Unity Consciousness, the assignment, the rubric, and the student’s grade are as dear to me as my own Self.