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.

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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

Moodle.org Documentation

Advanced Grading
Rubrics
Grading Guides (also called Marking Guides)