Using Rubrics to Evaluate Education: A Challenge for University Teachers and Students

Abstract

Rubrics are a new grading method that is gaining acceptance in Spanish university classrooms as an assessment-support tool for both teachers and students in peer review and self-evaluation processes. The data in this study were obtained during the 2012-13 academic year, from the course on New Technologies for Pre-school Education, which is the first subject taught in initial training for future teachers at the preschool level (children ages 3-6). The sample included 71 students. They were divided into seven experimental groups (that used a rubric) and six control groups (that did not) in different learning situations. The objective was to verify the effect of rubrics on mastering contents and on developing skills and involving students in the evaluation process. The results show this tool contributes to pre-school education and students are satisfied with its use.