A rubric is a letter or section of text highlighted in red ink. The term originates in Medieval illuminated manuscripts from the 14th century when red letters were used to highlight initial capitals (particularly of psalms), section headings and names of religious significance, a practice known as rubrication.

The word derives from the Latin, rubrica, meaning red.

Today, typographic differences such as italics or a change of font is more commonly used to emphasise a section of text.

A rubric is also a marking system used by many teachers. It is a chart composed of criteria for evaluation and levels of fulfillment of those criteria. A rubric allows for standardized evaluation according to specified criteria, making grading simpler and more transparent.

Problems

One problem with rubrics is that each level of fulfillment encompasses a wide range of marks. For example, if two students both receive a 'level four' mark on the Ontario system, one might receive an 80% while the other receives 100%.

In addition, a small change in rubric evaluation caused by a small mistake may lead to an unnecessarily large change in numerical grade. Both of these problems may be addressed by the use of finer gradations in rubric evaluations.

Rubrics may also make marking schemes more complicated for students. Firstly, showing one mark may be inaccurate, as receiving perfect in one section may not amount to be very significant in the long run if that specific strand is not weighted heavily. Some may also find it difficult to comprehend an assignment having four distinct marks, which may make it unsuitable for some younger children. Nonetheless, it allows for students to compensate a lack of ability in one strand by improving another one. Ergo, if a student has difficulty communicating his/her ideas, they may still be able to attain a relatively high mark, as communication is typically not weighted heavily. Rubrics may also allow students to better their weaknesses.

Examples

The Ontario rubric is an example of a rubric which has become fairly popular in the school system.

External link

• An online rubric-creation tool