Rubrics are assessment components for projects or any other form of authentic learning guidelines. These components help explain what is expected from the project and how the alternative learning will be graded. They help a student understand what the assignment is about and what is expected to be learned during the assignments. They are beneficial since they allow a student to have a solid list of expectations prior to grading, but also assess and revise their work as needed throughout the process. Rubrics can be generated in a variety of ways, however the first step is to determine the criteria for the project and what you expect the final presentation should consist of. The number of criteria is not set as a standard, and is completely up to the observer, however keep in mind the more criteria, the more involved the grading will become.
In The Disneyland in Space Rubric, we saw that this particular teacher was very clear in what she expected to be labeled or marked in some way. This educator is very specific in what the project should contain. However, despite the clarity and specifics of the rubric, I found it to not be very teacher friendly. This is based on the idea that there were a great deal of criteria listed, which could make grading difficult. There were also too broad of a range of points to be awarded per section, also making it difficult during grading.
Portfolios and Eportfolios have numerous benefits for assessing what a student has accomplished. For starters, it is a collection of all the things a student has mastered over a period of time. This can be utilized not only to show what has been learned, but also to display a student's technology and computer skills. Various programs can be saved and uploaded in a portfolio such as word processing programs, graphic organizers, and movie creations. Once an assignment has been completed and graded, they can be turned into a digital format and stored in the portfolio for future references. This collection of talents and accomplishments can also be used by teachers to show how far a student has come since the beginning of the school year and assess what does and does not work in the way material is presented. Most importantly, when a collection of work is easily accessible, it makes for a great feeling of accomplishment and pride on behalf of the student.
I see my classroom having technology integrated into the lessons and utilized to add extra information to the students. I hope to be fortunate enough to have a job within a school that has provided the students with the latest technology that will allow me to give the students every possible opportunity. I know that I will utilize Word Processors, spreadsheets, and Multimedia Presentations. Many schools today require the use of software that allows for electronic grade books and lesson plans. Rubric generators are a must when dealing with projects. One of my favorite rubric generator is Rubistar.com. I would like to also use a random number and student generator as well as a class timer. These will help keep the flow and fairness going in the classroom.
