Create: Utilizing one of the resources discussed in this lesson, create a rubric that integrates specific criteria for an assignment and also affords the instructor ample commentary on the student’s product. Make the rubric available in a post in your blog.
Click to open my Nervous System Flowchart Rubric.
The rubric found at the link here was created with inspiration from Karen Franker's Rubric for Graphic Organizers - Inspiration Diagrams/Concept Maps, available here.
In my anatomy classes, students have been learning about the nervous system and its structural and functional divisions. Students will summarize their understanding of these various divisions and subdivisions by creating a flowchart. In a blended or online classroom, this would most likely be created using a tech tool for creating graphic organizers such as Popplet or Inspiration. In this traditional class though, students also have the option to complete the assignment on paper if they wish.
Students must create a flowchart that represents the different divisions and subdivisions of the system. Structures (organs, tissues) and functions must be addressed, along with graphics that enhance the explanation. These criteria are all addressed in the rubric.
I must say, however, that the version I would initially provide my students would look more like this one. I would only provide them with descriptions of what mastery looks like. There's research by experts in standards-based grading and assessment that indicates providing descriptions for all levels (i.e. "exemplary," "satisfactory," "developing" etc) will cause students to settle for a lower level of mastery. Put your high standards in front of them and watch them reach them!
Here's a few other thoughts I try to implement when designing (or revising) and then implementing a rubric.
Key Factors in Rubric Design, according to Standards-Based Grading expert, Rick Wormeli:
1. Use fewer levels/descriptors (3-5 maximum). This promotes better inter-rater reliability. More levels = more subjectivity when scoring.
2. Be transparent by providing exemplars of each level.
3. Avoid the use of descriptors such as "Average," "Below Average," and "Above Average." These terms describe how students performs in relation to each other. We should be assessing them on how well they do against the standards.
4. Avoid descriptors with a natural progressive sequence (i.e. "1-2-3-4" or "A-B-C-D"). Instead use descriptors that are specific: "Mastered," "Developing," "Does Not Meet," etc.
5. Don't write out the descriptors of every level on the rubric. Many students who see multiple levels will settle for a lower level. "I don't have to be exemplary; I can just be satisfactory." By only providing them the descriptor of the highest level of performance, high standards become the expectation.
Here's an article by Dr. Wormeli on the topic of rubrics and their implementation. It's a wonderful read! Rick is a great person hear in person at a conference, or to follow on social media like Twitter and YouTube.
Great tools for the use of digital rubric include the Google Docs add-ons Goobric and Doctopus. These two apps work together to attach a Google-based rubric (a Goobric) to assignments collected in a Google Drive folder by the second add-on, Doctopus. As the grader moves through the folder of assignments, a rubric shows at the top of the screen and the grader marks where the content falls in each category. Upon finalizing the score, clicking submit embeds a copy of the marked rubric at the end of the student's document, complete with any teacher comments.
Click to open my Nervous System Flowchart Rubric.
The rubric found at the link here was created with inspiration from Karen Franker's Rubric for Graphic Organizers - Inspiration Diagrams/Concept Maps, available here.
In my anatomy classes, students have been learning about the nervous system and its structural and functional divisions. Students will summarize their understanding of these various divisions and subdivisions by creating a flowchart. In a blended or online classroom, this would most likely be created using a tech tool for creating graphic organizers such as Popplet or Inspiration. In this traditional class though, students also have the option to complete the assignment on paper if they wish.
Students must create a flowchart that represents the different divisions and subdivisions of the system. Structures (organs, tissues) and functions must be addressed, along with graphics that enhance the explanation. These criteria are all addressed in the rubric.
I must say, however, that the version I would initially provide my students would look more like this one. I would only provide them with descriptions of what mastery looks like. There's research by experts in standards-based grading and assessment that indicates providing descriptions for all levels (i.e. "exemplary," "satisfactory," "developing" etc) will cause students to settle for a lower level of mastery. Put your high standards in front of them and watch them reach them!
Here's a few other thoughts I try to implement when designing (or revising) and then implementing a rubric.
Key Factors in Rubric Design, according to Standards-Based Grading expert, Rick Wormeli:
1. Use fewer levels/descriptors (3-5 maximum). This promotes better inter-rater reliability. More levels = more subjectivity when scoring.
2. Be transparent by providing exemplars of each level.
3. Avoid the use of descriptors such as "Average," "Below Average," and "Above Average." These terms describe how students performs in relation to each other. We should be assessing them on how well they do against the standards.
4. Avoid descriptors with a natural progressive sequence (i.e. "1-2-3-4" or "A-B-C-D"). Instead use descriptors that are specific: "Mastered," "Developing," "Does Not Meet," etc.
5. Don't write out the descriptors of every level on the rubric. Many students who see multiple levels will settle for a lower level. "I don't have to be exemplary; I can just be satisfactory." By only providing them the descriptor of the highest level of performance, high standards become the expectation.
Here's an article by Dr. Wormeli on the topic of rubrics and their implementation. It's a wonderful read! Rick is a great person hear in person at a conference, or to follow on social media like Twitter and YouTube.
Great tools for the use of digital rubric include the Google Docs add-ons Goobric and Doctopus. These two apps work together to attach a Google-based rubric (a Goobric) to assignments collected in a Google Drive folder by the second add-on, Doctopus. As the grader moves through the folder of assignments, a rubric shows at the top of the screen and the grader marks where the content falls in each category. Upon finalizing the score, clicking submit embeds a copy of the marked rubric at the end of the student's document, complete with any teacher comments.
Comments
Post a Comment