Template for a Grading Rubric

Task Description: (generally cut and pasted from the syllabus)

The task is framed by the instructor and generally involves some type of “performance”. The performance could be a paper, poster or a presentation. The task could also delineate “behavioral” aspects such as proper use of lab protocols, and behavioral expectations in the classroom (cell phones off, participation, cooperation with peers, etc).

I use MSWord “table” to construct my rubric frames.

	Scale Level 1	Scale Level 2	Scale Level 3
Dimension 1	Criteria	Criteria	Criteria
Dimension 2	Criteria	Criteria	Criteria
Dimension 3	Criteria	Criteria	Criteria
Dimension 4	Criteria	Criteria	Criteria

A “dimension” breaks the “task” into its component parts. In this way, it serves to clarify for the student how the assignment/task can be seen in parts and what parts they must complete and to what degree of performance.

Sample Rubric for a project:

Class: Sewing Technology 1

Task Description: First Sewing project worth 10% of grade: Beret, Unlined

	Superior/A	Acceptable/C	Poor/F
Accuracy of stitching	Stitching is equal in tension and length throughout garment		Tension and length of stitching is uneven, there is bubbling of fabric
Following appropriate seam lines	All seam lines are followed precisely and appropriately		Seam lines are not followed precisely or appropriately.
Attention to correct grain lines	Grain lines are followed throughout the garment		Grain lines are not followed
Neatness of finished projects	Threads cut, seams and entire garment pressed	3-5 threads left uncut, 50% of garment is not pressed	6 or more threads left uncut, garment is not pressed
Due date met	Handed in complete on due date		Handed in after due date

Sample Rubric for a Presentation (based on a paper they have written):

Class: FD 120 History of Fashion

Task Description: Each student will make a 5 minute presentation on one aspect of the evolution of Western Clothing based on their 5 page research paper. There needs to be a thesis, this is not just a chronological exposition. The presentation should include appropriate photographs, a sketch of the garment and other visual aids for the audience.

	Excellent	Competent	Needs Work
Knowledge/understanding 20% / 20 points
Thinking/Inquiry 30% / 30 points
Communication 20% / 20 points
Use of Visual Aids 20% / 20 points
Presentation Skills 10% / 10 points

Task Description: Presentation

Dimensions	Criteria	Comments (hand written)
Introduction	Tells the audience exactly what to expect in terms of how the speaker feels about the subject, what theories and theoretical framework(s) he/she will introduce, and what conclusions she/he will draw
Organization	Organized to create logical argument and so that topics that need to be discussed together are presented together
Context	Discusses the main issues, how other scholars have dealt with these issues. The presenter explains where he/she stands on the issues, theories and what she/he found most useful.
Evidence	Sufficient detailed examples are presented to support her/his analysis
Analysis	Evidence is used to support a consistent, coherent analysis of issues
Presentation	Presenter spoke clearly, slowly and loudly enough to be heard, not too loudly; used appropriate, effective gestures and body language; maintained eye contact with the class; audio visual aids (if used) were technically sound, appropriate and referenced in the presentation

Presentation Rubric:

	Professional	Adequate	Needs Work	You’re Fired	Grade
Content	Full grasp (more than needed) of material in initial presentation and in answering questions later	Solid presentation of material and answers all questions adequately but without elaboration	Less than a full grasp of the information revealed rudimentary presentation and answers to questions	No grasp of information some misinformation, and unable to answer questions accurately
Organization	Information presented in a logical interesting sequence that is easy for the audience to follow	Information is presented in a logical sequence that is easy for the audience to follow but a bit dull	Presentation jumps around a lot and is not easy to follow although it is possible	Audience cannot follow presentations because it follows no logical sequence
Visual Aids	Visuals explain and reinforce the rest of the presentation	Visuals relate to rest of presentation	Visuals are too few or not sufficiently related to the rest of the presentation	Visuals not used or are superfluous
English	No misspelled words or grammatical errors	No more than two misspelled words or grammatical errors	Three misspelled words or grammatical errors	Four or more misspelled words or grammatical errors
Elocution	Speaks clearly, correctly and precisely, loud enough for audience to hear and slowly enough for easy understanding	Speaks clearly, pronounces most words correctly, loud enough to be easily heard, and slow enough to be understood	Speaks unclearly, mispronounces many major terms, and speaks too softly or rapidly to be easily understood	Mumbles, mispronounces most important terms, and speaks too softly or rapidly to be understood at all
Eye Contact	Eye contact constant; minimal or no reading of notes	Eye contact maintained except when consulting notes, which is too often	Some eye contact but mostly reading from notes	No eye contact, reads from notes exclusively

Adapted from: Stevens, D. D. and Levi, A.J. (2005) Introduction to rubrics: An assessment tool to save grading time, convey effective feedback and promote student learning. Sterling, VA.: Stylus.