Attaching a Rubric to a Quiz Question
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In this hub post, we will introduce the new eConestoga feature of the ability to attach and use Rubrics within the eConestoga Quiz tool. This feature allows you to attach a simple rubric or marking scheme to a single quiz question. This new feature is more than just a technical upgrade—it invites you to reflect on your broader assessment practices. Integrating rubrics into quizzes can support student readiness, improve feedback quality, and promote consistency and transparency in evaluations. These considerations apply not only when creating individual quizzes but also when looking across your course sections and terms.
Ask yourself:
- Could using a rubric in a quiz improve the consistency and clarity/transparency of the evaluation from an individual student perspective?
- Could it help ensure consistency and validity of assessment across different sections of the same course?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, incorporating rubrics into your quiz design may be a valuable next step in enhancing both your assessment strategy and your students’ learning experience.
Technical Set-up
To learn how to create and attach a rubric to a quiz question, please visit the Faculty Support page in eConestoga – Attach a Rubric to a Quiz Question.
Selecting the Type of Grading Tool
As you begin to consider the use of rubrics in your quizzes, one of the first decisions to make is which type of grading tool best aligns with the format and goals of each question. For instance, evaluating a written response may benefit from a detailed, multi-level analytic rubric, allowing for feedback across multiple criteria. When designing such rubrics, focus on including only the criteria necessary to effectively assess students’ responses.
In contrast, a straightforward identification written question might be better suited to a checklist-style rubric that emphasizes accuracy and completeness.
When choosing the most appropriate grading tool for your quiz, consider the following factors that can influence students’ performance during a test or exam:
- The time constraints of the assessment
- The modality of quiz delivery (e.g., online asynchronous or online in-person)
- The mix of question types included
- The emotional state of students while writing the test
Deciding Whether to Make the Rubric Visible to Students Before the Test
Depending on the type and purpose/intention of the quiz question, you may want to control whether the rubric is visible to students. In some cases, making the rubric available before the quiz can support transparency and help students understand expectations, especially if the rubric is multi-levelled and intended to promote socialization of assessment criteria. In such instances, you might introduce the rubric during a class session before the quiz and provide time for students to ask questions or practice using the rubric.
However, if showing the rubric in advance would reveal key elements of the assessment and potentially influence student responses or compromise the integrity of the assessment, you may choose to keep it hidden. When creating and attaching a rubric to a quiz question, you have the option to control its visibility (Refer to the Technical Set-up). For instance, if the rubric serves as an answer key or marking scheme, it should remain hidden and used only by the instructor during evaluation.
Important Note: By default, rubrics are set to be visible to students. Even if the quiz itself is not yet released, the rubric will be viewable unless you specifically select the option to hide it.
If you have any questions about the new quiz grading interface, please reach out to eConestoga@conestogac.on.ca or drop by the eConestoga Virtual Drop-in sessions.
Additional Resources
Still have questions about creating rubrics, types of rubrics or supporting students’ use of your grading tools? Please have a look at the additional resources and upcoming workshops to support your use of this new eConestoga feature.
