Rubrics can sometimes be confused with other evaluation tools. This resource compares rubrics against checklists, rating scales, and marking guides.
The key distinction between a rubric and other evaluation tools is that an effective rubric must have clear descriptions of levels of performance relating to the criteria (Brookhart, 2018).
Read more about the suitability of each evaluation tool below.
Checklist
- Requires yes/no decisions in relation to specific criteria.
- Can be used to indicate whether students met certain task requirements (e.g., inclusion of different sections in a report).
- Suitable for assessing non-negotiable criteria (e.g., abiding by safety procedures, performing medical procedures).
- Lists quantitative requirements (e.g., Use a minimum of five academic sources for this essay).
Rating scale
- Requires decisions across a scale, however, no description of performance quality is provided.
- Can be numerical (1 – 5), based on frequency (Never – Always), and evaluative (Excellent – Poor).
- Suitable for self-assessment activities and identifying specific strengths and areas of improvement (e.g., assessing specific micro-counselling skills during role-play task).
Marking criteria/guide
- Provides detailed guidelines on how marks are awarded to aspects of a task.
- May provide answers and sample responses.
- Suitable for concepts or aspects that are not conducive in rubric format (e.g., assessing mathematical calculations, abstract concepts in creative works).
References
Brookhart. (2018). Appropriate criteria: Key to effective rubrics. Frontiers in Education (Lausanne), 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2018.00022