Written by Jean Fitzgerald

Published as part of QILT News & Notes Spring 2026 Midterms

Rubrics are more than grading tools, they are instructional tools that clarify expectations, guide student learning, and improve feedback quality. When used intentionally, rubrics can enhance transparency, consistency, and student performance. Rubrics shift grading from subjective judgment to transparent evaluation. They support student growth by making expectations visible and measurable.

Why Use Rubrics?

• Clarify Expectations: Rubrics make performance standards explicit. Students understand what high-quality work looks like before they begin an assignment, reducing confusion and grade disputes.
• Improve Student Performance: When students know the criteria for success, they are more likely to meet it. Consider rubrics as roadmaps for students to follow to get to their destination.
• Increase Grading Consistency: Rubrics reduce subjectivity and speed up grading. They also promote fairness across sections or instructors teaching the same course.
• Support Meaningful Feedback: Instead of only assigning a grade, rubrics help instructors provide targeted feedback aligned with learning outcomes to help students learn how to improve.
• Align Assessment with Learning Outcomes: Well-designed rubrics ensure assignments directly measure course objectives and program competencies.

Steps to Build an Effective Rubric

Identify the Learning Outcomes

Start with what students should know or be able to do. Each rubric criterion should align with a specific learning objective.

Define Clear Criteria

Break the assignment into measurable components, ex. analysis, use of evidence, organization, and professionalism.

Determine Performance Levels

Most rubric use these kinds of levels ex. exemplary, proficient, developing, needs improvement.

Write Descriptive, Observable Language

Avoid vague terms like “good” or “poor.” Instead, describe what performance looks like at each level.

Assign Point Values

Weight criteria based on importance. For example, critical analysis may carry more weight than formatting.

IgniteAI Rubric Generator (Canvas)

If your course is in Canvas, try working with the IgniteAI Rubric Generator to generate a rubric for your assignments →