Resource 3: How to design assessment rubrics

Rubrics describe different levels of performance and make these explicit to the student and the teacher. Firstly you need to identify the knowledge; skills and understanding that the student needs to demonstrate and from this you can write success criteria.

Next you need to differentiate different levels of achievement so that you can write your descriptions of levels of performance (maybe three levels). For example you may write the levels like this:

1. accurately explains photosynthesis
2. explains with some accuracy the process of photosynthesis
3. explains photosynthesis with limited accuracy

or:

1. shows a comprehensive knowledge of story, themes and characters
2. shows a sound knowledge of the story and the roles of some of the characters
3. shows a basic knowledge of what the story is about and can name a few characters

or:

1. correctly and independently uses the equipment
2. uses the equipment with occasional peer or teacher assistance
3. attempts to use the equipment with teacher guidance

These level descriptors can be used with students and by students to explain how they have performed and what they need to do to achieve higher.