Using rubrics for grading

A rubric is a tool that supports markers to consistently mark pieces of assessed work by setting out the expected performance for that assessment in relation to the criteria. They are most often used when there is more than one marker for a piece of assessed work. However, we would suggest that rubrics are useful even when there is only one marker in order to be clear about expected performance and to try to avoid intra-marker variability.

To support your students to really understand the way that marking takes place you could involve them in designing the rubric and then using it to provide self- and peer-feedback before using a rubric summatively.