Learn@Illinois Moodle - Rubrics vs. Grading Guides
In the Assignment activity, you can choose to grade using Simple Direct Grading (_/100), a Grading Guide, or a Rubric. Learn the differences between Rubrics and Grading Guides.
For a permanent link to this information, please use: http://go.illinois.edu/MoodleRubricsvsGradingGuides
Rubrics
Example Rubric Content
| Good (100%) | Fair (85%) | Needs Improvement (70%) | Incomplete (0%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Post: Content (25%) | Fully addresses the question posed in a way that demonstrates full understanding of readings. | Addresses the question posed in a way that demonstrates partial understanding of readings OR only partially addresses question posed. | Addresses the question posed in a way that demonstrates little understanding of readings OR only barely addresses question posed. | Did not complete |
| Initial Post: Format (25%) | Met (or barely exceeded) word count, formatting rules, and number of references. | Almost met (or notably exceeded) word count, formatting rules, and number of references. | Did not come close to meeting (or grossly exceeded) word count, formatting rules, and number of references. | Did not complete |
| Reply 1 (25%) | Responded fully to the initial post in a manner that demonstrated critical thinking and prompted further discussion | Responded fully to the initial post in a manner that demonstrated critical thinking or prompted further discussion | Responded only partially to initial post in a manner that did not demonstrate critical thinking or prompt further discussion | Did not complete |
| Reply 2 (25%) | Responded fully to the initial post in a manner that demonstrated critical thinking and prompted further discussion | Responded fully to the initial post in a manner that demonstrated critical thinking or prompted further discussion | Responded only partially to initial post in a manner that did not demonstrate critical thinking or prompt further discussion | Did not complete |
Basic Features
- You must select one option for each section when you grade
Pros of Rubrics
- Works well with a touch screen (no need for a keyboard)
- Provides consistency with a large team
Cons of Rubrics
- There is not a lot of flexibility. You can't choose to give someone a score between two identified scores.
- They are tougher to set up because you are defining very definite levels and have to make sure to create mutually exclusive categories.
- Sometimes students will do something to lose points completely out of the parameters of the rubric. It is harder to communicate that with a rubric.
Grading Guides
Basic Feature
- You enter scores with the keyboard while referencing the guidelines you have set up
Example Grading Guide Content
| Criterion | Percentage of Total Score |
|---|---|
| Initial Post (Content): Did the student fully address the question posed in a way that demonstrates full understanding of readings? | 25% |
| Initial Post (Format): Did the student meet (or barely exceed) word count, formatting rules, and number of references? | 25% |
| Reply 1: Did the student respond fully to the initial post in a manner that demonstrated critical thinking and prompted further discussion? | 25% |
| Reply 2: Did the student respond fully to the initial post in a manner that demonstrated critical thinking and prompted further discussion? | 25% |
Pros of Grading Guides
- Allows flexibility while still providing structure
- Gives access to "frequently used comments" interface
Cons of Grading Guides
- Interface requires use of a keyboard
Related Topics
Moodle.org Documentation
- Advanced Grading
- Rubrics
- Grading Guides (also called Marking Guides)