I am teaching a hybrid class, “Foundations of Global Studies Theory,” which has a weekly quiz on the readings. Every student is expected to write a two to three paragraph answer every week to a question like this: “What were the strengths and weaknesses’ of Adorno and Horkheimer’s article? One critique of critical theorists is that they can be “culture snobs,” who look down on forms of popular expression (music, television). Do you think that this is a fair critique based on this article? Is this article still relevant to contemporary society, or was its usefulness confined to its historical period?” I try to give every student feedback on their quiz response every week, but it’s challenging to do with 40 students in the class. To help with this issue, I’ve created this rubric, which I’ve found is very helpful:
Quiz Rubric
Student Name: _______________________________________________
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Content and Argument |
Writing and Organization |
Originality and Insight |
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Excellent The response is based on a careful reading of the articles, or viewing of the video. The writer supports their argument with well-chosen examples and detail from that week’s assigned materials. |
Excellent The response is well-organized, flows logically, and clearly responds to the question. The post is so well written and engaging that it is a pleasure to read. The response is two to three paragraphs in length and fully addresses the question. |
Excellent The response is original and demonstrates insight. The answer displays creativity and independent thought. The writer not only responds to the question, but also relates the material to broader issues, or other material from the course. |
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Good The writer has demonstrated sufficient understanding of the course materials and the question. The writer uses specific examples and detail to support their argument. |
Good The essay is well organized and flows logically. There is sufficient content to fully answer the question. |
Good The essay shows good insight and creativity. |
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Sufficient The writer generally shows their careful reading/viewing of the course material, although at times they could have used more detail and examples to support their argument. |
Sufficient The essay could have been more tightly organized. At times it wanders too far from the question, or the flow from one paragraph to the next is unclear. |
Sufficient While the essay has some originality and insight, at points it is overly vague or generalized. |
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Needs Improvement The response does not draw on sufficient examples and details from the course materials. They do not demonstrate a reflective and careful reading or viewing of the class material. There are errors in their discussion of theory. |
Needs Improvement The argument does not flow well. Spelling errors or grammar mistakes distract the reader. The response does not fully address the question before considering other material. The response may be somewhat brief. |
Needs Improvement The essay does not demonstrate sufficient and thoughtful reflection. |
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Weak The essay fails to demonstrate the students understanding of either the theory involved, or the specific material covered. The writer has not demonstrated their careful reading or viewing of the course content. The response lacks critical supporting detail, and does not demonstrate their mastery of the content. |
Weak The response lacks organization, and does not clearly address the question. The wording is so awkward that it is sometimes distracts from their argument. The response is too brief to fully answer the question, perhaps only a few sentences. |
Weak There is little evidence that the student thought deeply about the course material. The response often relies on generalities or too heavily on the student’s personal experience. |
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Grading: A = All excellent A- = Mostly excellent B/B+ = Mostly Good C+/B- = Good with some sufficient C or below = Mostly Sufficient to Needs Improvement D or below= Mostly Weak or Needs Improvement |
Shawn Smallman, Portland State University