What is a rubric used for in educational assessments?

A rubric is utilized in educational assessments primarily for assessing student work based on defined criteria. It serves as a standardized tool that outlines specific expectations and performance indicators for an assignment or task. By providing clear criteria, a rubric helps both instructors and students understand how various components of work will be evaluated, thus facilitating more objective grading.

When students are aware of the standards they are being judged against, they are empowered to reflect on their work and make improvements aligned with those expectations. Additionally, rubrics help to ensure consistency and fairness in evaluation, as assessments can be more easily compared across different submissions. This structured approach not only clarifies the goals for students but also assists teachers in articulating feedback that is constructive and aligned with established benchmarks.