Introduction

A rubric matrix (rubric) sets out clear criteria and standards for assessing different levels of performance, broken down in different categories¹.

A rubric was developed for Goalkeepers to track their project specific targets and progress on a quarterly basis. The Goalkeepers tracked a set of domains relevant to their current and intended project stage.

A rubric is a method/tool of evaluation that provides examples of progress according to different criteria to help identify and assess learning. A rubric is often used to communicate your task expectations, provide meaningful feedback for reflection and improvement, and  measure performance. A rubric can be used to observe or assess your performance in an initiative or project that may have a mix of developmental stages which cannot easily be measured with a single indicator or single set of indicators. 

Rubric Step 1

Step 1: Create the criteria for assessment

When designing your rubric criteria (first column in matrix) consider the following:

• What skills are utilised in your project?
• What learning do you want out of this project?
• What are the components of the project?
• How will the learning be demonstrated in the project?

Write up your criteria based on the above.

Tip: Too many criteria can be overwhelming, try prioritise 5-7 criteria based on project need and objectives of the assessment.

Remember: Your assessment criteria need to be: Clear and concise (i.e. be clear on what the various stages 0-5 mean in practice); Measurable; Central to the goal of the project; and Aligned with the learning outcomes.

Rubric Step 2

Step 2: Create the rating scale

When designing your rating scale (top row in matrix) consider the following:

• The scale does not have to be fixed for every criterion – it may vary from one section to another
• Include the levels of achievements
• What are the numerical values or the qualitative descriptions (optional) for the levels of achievements?

In order to achieve a more detailed feedback use a 3- or 5- point system and list the scoring from the lowest to the highest.

Rubric Step 3

Step 3: Make descriptions for each rating level per criteria

For each level of achievement, include a short description of the level within the criteria. Make sure your descriptions meet the expected expectations of the project goals and objectives.

Rubric Step 4

Step 4: Use your rubric

Once your rubric has been designed, it needs to be implemented and tested throughout the project life cycle:

• On a monthly or quarterly basis (choose a frequency that makes sense to your project) score your project progress against each criteria: Choose which rating description best describes the status of the project at that point in time for each criteria.
• Test the rubric’s reliability and validity. For example, are your levels of achievements consistent? Do your descriptions make sense? Is it producing useful progress information for the project team?
• Communicate back to grantees, partners or members what the rubric is telling, how progress is measured etc.

Questions to consider:  

1. Does your rubric measure what you want to assess? 
2. Do your criteria reflect the objectives of your project? 

More rubric examples:

•     Example 1 by BetterEvaluation
•     Example 2 by Research Gate / UMES
•     Example 3 applied in project to advance the rights of people with disabilities