6.2 Rubrics

When and where did I find the word: Rubrics was in the reading this week, in the book Content Area Writing (Zemelman & Steineke 2007)

Daniels, H., Zemelman, S. & Steineke, N. (2007).  Content-area writing.  Portsmouth,
             NH: Heinemann. p. 121

What it means: Rubrics are tools that help students and teachers assess students skills by measuring for different levels of completeness, understanding, or creativity.

Level of Familiarity: Rubric is a term I am very familiar with, both in my undergraduate and graduate programs. I have given rubrics to my students in school to use and use them often as a grading guide. I love getting a rubric in class because I know what is expected of my work and how I will be graded. In a way, for me, it also scaffolds the project or paper that I am working on.

Do I want to know this word well and tell why? I do need to know this word well. It not only helps me as a student understand what the expectations are, but also helps me to organize my work and my thoughts before I start the project.  As a teacher, I think that it decreases subjectivity in my grading.  

Do I think others should know this word well....if so who and why?  Teachers need to know what rubrics are because not only can they help in the grading process but also students who need that extra support with their writing or specific projects.