Examples of Rubric Creation
Sample rubrics from physics and sociology.
assessment of learning
Practice Creating a Rubric
Rubric worksheets for different types of assignments.
Practice Using a Rubric
Practice grading essays and homework sets using a rubric.
Conquering ‘Forty Percent of the Grade’: Interactive Strategies for Helping Students Prepare for Comprehensive Final Exams
by Wendy Sinek, Political Science
I have my students play “Political Challenge,” an interactive game that I designed…During the course of the game, teams debate possible approaches to a question, and then explain the material in their own words in order to earn points. Harder questions are not only worth more points, they also require more active participation, such as staging a mini role-play or debate.
Calculating Grades
Different models for calculating course grades.
Emphasizing Concepts in a Yeast Genetics Laboratory
by Elizabeth Shank, Molecular and Cell Biology
It was not necessary to understand the reasoning behind doing any single step, since the protocols in the laboratory manual made it easy to simply “follow the directions.” Because most of my students were reasonably adept at performing the mechanical aspects of each lab…it was all the more difficult to ensure that they understood why they were doing something.
Incorporating Practice into Theory-Based Curriculum
by Lyn Paleo, Public Health
I believe that students in a practice-based field…should receive a combination of theory and skills development. Theory-based lectures are critical; however, they alone are insufficient to the task of teaching people how to design and conduct evaluations for health promotion programs.
Using the Peer-Review Process to Stimulate Classroom Discussion
by Bryan Zeitler, Molecular and Cell Biology
One thing I find particularly frustrating is achieving a meaningful class dialogue after student presentations. Despite repeated calls for questions or comments from the class, it is not unusual for me to be the only one speaking after a student talk…[so] I implemented a written and oral peer review process that encouraged students to actively participate during and after student presentations.
Psychology: Motivation and Learning
Research in the field of psychology can help GSIs better motivate their students. Based on a talk by Martin Covington (Psychology).
Improving Laboratory Courses
by Nicholas L. Pivonka, Chemistry
I sought to improve the laboratory portion of the course by improving the quality of experiments the students were asked to perform. One of the experiments was clearly a candidate for replacement.