How do you involve students in co-creating and using rubrics for PBL?

1 Co-create rubrics with students

One way to involve students in rubric development is to co-create rubrics with them. This means that you and your students collaborate on defining the criteria, indicators, and standards for the project. You can start by brainstorming the essential elements of the project, such as the driving question, the learning goals, the product or performance, and the audience. Then, you can ask students to generate ideas for what they need to know and do to achieve those elements. You can use their input to draft a rubric and refine it with their feedback. Co-creating rubrics with students can help them understand the expectations and objectives of the project, as well as develop ownership and agency over their learning.

2 Use rubrics as a formative tool

Another way to involve students in using rubrics for PBL is to use them as a formative tool. This means that you and your students use the rubric to monitor and improve the learning process, not just to evaluate the final product. You can use the rubric to provide ongoing feedback, self-assessment, peer review, and revision throughout the project. You can also encourage students to use the rubric to set goals, plan actions, and reflect on their progress. Using rubrics as a formative tool can help students develop metacognitive and self-regulation skills, as well as enhance the quality of their work.

3 Differentiate rubrics for different needs

A third way to involve students in using rubrics for PBL is to differentiate rubrics for different needs. This means that you and your students adapt the rubric to suit the diverse abilities, interests, and preferences of the learners. You can differentiate rubrics by modifying the criteria, indicators, or standards to match the different levels of readiness, challenge, or support that students need. You can also differentiate rubrics by allowing students to choose or create their own rubrics based on their personal goals, passions, or learning styles. Differentiating rubrics for different needs can help students personalize their learning and demonstrate their understanding in multiple ways.

4 Review and revise rubrics with students

A fourth way to involve students in using rubrics for PBL is to review and revise rubrics with students. This means that you and your students evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the rubric after the project is completed. You can ask students to reflect on how well the rubric helped them learn and improve, as well as how fair and accurate the rubric was in assessing their performance. You can also solicit feedback from students on how to improve the rubric for future projects. Reviewing and revising rubrics with students can help them develop critical thinking and evaluation skills, as well as foster a culture of continuous improvement.