Effective Use of Rubrics in Student Evaluation

Abstract

This chapter clarifies first a number of concepts such as evaluation, traditional evaluation methods, alternative evaluation methods, process-centered evaluation, and evaluation of student progress and portfolios as an alternative evaluation method. The authors will approach the concept of rubrics as a very useful evaluation tool, highlighting design and exemplification ways for some more commonly used evaluation methods. Their advantages and disadvantages will be analyzed. After taking into consideration the most important issues and controversies, the authors will analyze an example of good practice, namely the use of rubrics in the evaluation of students with the help of e-portfolios, as an alternative method of evaluation. The last part of the chapter is dedicated to discussions and recommendations for using rubrics in evaluation. Aspects regarding the usefulness, but also the limits of the instrument, as well as ways of further development, will be discussed.