Assessment in the Mathematics Classroom >

Interpreting Evidence of Learning > Generic Rubrics

Generic rubrics can guide the learning process across similar performances, such as problem solving. This is one very powerful way to help students look at their learning over weeks or months.

The most important thing about generic rubrics is that students encounter the same features of understanding each time they approach a similar task. Thus, each time they solve a problem, they know that certain key elements must be present, regardless of the particular problem.

The specific features of understanding included in a generic rubric should correlate to learning outcomes in the program of studies so that both the teacher and students are confident that they are developing the required skills and understandings.

Advantages of generic rubrics:

• They help focus on what matters most about certain kinds of math tasks, processes and performances.
• They help students consciously develop their skills and abilities across different contexts.
• They assure greater consistency in the assessment of tasks of a similar nature.
• They can be used across grade and subject levels if desired.
• It is not necessary to create a new rubric for each math task.

Disadvantages of generic rubrics:

• They are not finely grained enough to get at specific outcomes and understandings developed in a particular math task.
• If not carefully constructed with performance levels supported by precise descriptors, they can be so vague that students have a hard time seeing what, specifically, good work looks like.

Problem Solving Generic Rubric