{"id":3182,"date":"2021-12-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/post\/assessment-in-pbl-is-tricky-here-s-how-to-master-it-with-the-right-rubric\/"},"modified":"2024-02-07T21:15:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T21:15:23","slug":"assessment-in-pbl-is-tricky-here-s-how-to-master-it-with-the-right-rubric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/post\/assessment-in-pbl-is-tricky-here-s-how-to-master-it-with-the-right-rubric\/","title":{"rendered":"Assessment in PBL is Tricky. Here’s How to Master It with the Right Rubric"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Assessment in traditional teaching used to be \u201c<\/span>easy<\/span><\/span>.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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On test day, teachers would pass <\/span>paper and pencil tests\u00a0<\/span><\/span>full of multiple-choice and matching questions, which would\u00a0<\/span>definitively determine<\/span><\/span>\u00a0what a student had (or hadn\u2019t) learned.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Of course, we now know this method is far from accurate. <\/span>One day<\/span><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>one test<\/span><\/span>\u00a0aren\u2019t nearly enough to assess students\u2019 learning,\u00a0<\/span>especially<\/span><\/span>\u00a0when we test knowledge in only<\/span>\u00a0one way<\/span><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In reality, assessment needs to be\u00a0<\/span>embedded in every stage<\/span><\/span> in order to capture students\u2019 <\/span>true<\/span><\/span>\u00a0understanding, skills, and attitudes,\u00a0<\/span>not just at the end.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The great news is that project-based learning provides the\u00a0<\/span>perfect framework<\/span><\/span>\u00a0for measuring all these different abilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Students engage in\u00a0<\/span>so many skills<\/span><\/span>\u00a0when problem-solving \u2014 they ask questions, interpret data, design investigations, and draw conclusions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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But with\u00a0<\/span>no answer key<\/span><\/span>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span>one \u201cright\u201d answer<\/span><\/span>, how can you best assess this learning?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The answer lies within a\u00a0<\/span>performance-based rubric<\/span><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Here are\u00a0<\/span>five no-fail steps<\/span><\/span>\u00a0for creating performance-based rubrics for your projects, plus\u00a0<\/span>two key problem-solving skills<\/span><\/span>\u00a0you should assess.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How to Create Performance-Based Rubrics for PBL<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Think of a performance you\u2019ve seen recently \u2014 like a movie \u2014 that you thought was excellent.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What made it great? Was it the storyline, the soundtrack, or the scenery?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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It\u2019s easy for us to think of performances as a whole instead of a careful culmination of elements behind the scenes. But for students to craft an excellent project, we need to \u201cpull back the curtain\u201d and dissect each element that makes it possible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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When we describe what a phenomenal performance looks like, we set students up for success with\u00a0<\/span>clear expectations<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The best way to do this is with a\u00a0<\/span>rubric<\/span><\/span>, which usually looks like a scale or set of scales describing different performance levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Good rubrics do more than make projects\u00a0<\/span>easier to grade\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u2014 they also help students become more\u00a0<\/span>self-directed<\/span><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>self-assessing<\/span><\/span>\u00a0learners.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Let\u2019s look at the\u00a0<\/span>characteristics of performance-based assessments<\/span><\/span> (PBAs) and <\/span>five fast steps<\/span><\/span>\u00a0for creating your own performance-based rubric.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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9 Characteristics of Performance-Based Assessments<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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There are a lot of similarities between\u00a0<\/span>project<\/span><\/span>– and\u00a0<\/span>performance-based learning<\/span><\/span>, so it makes sense that we assess them in a similar way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Like a good PBL project, good performance-based assessments (PBAs) generally have the following characteristics:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Align with important curriculum targets<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Ask students to create a product (called an\u00a0<\/span>artifact<\/span><\/span>\u00a0in PBL)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Support collaboration and use of resources<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Encourage active investigation<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Allow for multiple approaches to solving a problem<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Require integration of ideas<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Require higher-order thinking and understanding (rather than memorization)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Connect with students\u2019 interests<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Are developmentally appropriate<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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    In a way, your student\u2019s final project acts as one big performance-based assessment. So, to grade it, you need a performance-based rubric.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Here\u2019s how to create one from scratch:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    5 Steps for Developing Effective PBL Rubrics Every Time<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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    Creating a rubric that\u2019s as custom-made to your project isn\u2019t as daunting as it seems. While there\u2019s no one \u201cright way\u201d to develop a rubric, these five steps are a great place to start:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      Define 3-7\u00a0<\/span>core elements<\/span><\/span> of your activity. These are crucial standalone skills and concepts you want to assess.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Determine what\u00a0<\/span>activities\u00a0<\/span><\/span>or<\/span>\u00a0behaviors<\/span><\/span>\u00a0belong under each element. What are you looking for when you\u2019re assessing that element?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Assign a\u00a0<\/span>rating scale<\/span><\/span>\u00a0to your rubric using\u00a0<\/span>numbers<\/span><\/span>\u00a0(0-4) or\u00a0<\/span>descriptors<\/span><\/span>\u00a0(poor, average, excellent, etc.)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Fill in what\u00a0<\/span>each level of performance<\/span><\/span>\u00a0looks like for each element. What does poor performance look like? What about excellent? Use specific examples of observable and measurable behavior here.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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      Share your draft with your students!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0They\u2019ll take more ownership of their learning, and you\u2019ll know if your expectations are clear.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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      Since PBL is all about problem-solving, you should assess the\u00a0<\/span>specific cognitive skills\u00a0<\/span><\/span>needed to solve problems somewhere in your rubric.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      Here\u2019s how:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      How to Assess Problem-Solving Skills<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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      To solve a problem, students must call on a variety of skills and knowledge and apply them in a meaningful way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      This task requires more than just the basic recall we associate with\u00a0<\/span>domain knowledge\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u2014 students also need to apply\u00a0<\/span>structural knowledge<\/span><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>causal reasoning<\/span><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      Here\u2019s what those look like and how to assess them:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      Structural Knowledge<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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      Structural knowledge<\/span><\/span>\u00a0is knowing how different concepts relate to each other. Think of it as a\u00a0<\/span>mental model<\/span><\/span>\u00a0of everything you know about a given topic (called a\u00a0<\/span>domain<\/span><\/span>). We use this information to make the predictions and inferences necessary for solving problems.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      The best way to assess students\u2019 structural knowledge is to<\/span>\u00a0describe the relationship between two concepts<\/span><\/span>.\u00a0Most concepts relate to each other in one of the following ways:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        has part\/is part of<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        has kind\/is kind of<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        causes\/is caused by<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        precedes\/comes after<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        describes\/is a description of<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        assists\/is assisted by,<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        has example\/is an example of<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        justifies\/is justified by<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        has characteristic\/is characteristic of<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        has opposite\/is opposite of<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

      11. \n
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        models\/is modeled by<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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        Here\u2019s an example of a mind map of student’s structural knowledge about honeybees using <\/span>component<\/span><\/span> and <\/span>relationship<\/span><\/span> tools in Project Pals:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Causal Reasoning<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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        Causal reasoning<\/span><\/span>\u00a0involves identifying cause-and-effect relationships. This cognitive skill is essential for problem-solving because it\u00a0<\/span>explains<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>predicts<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0events, helping students formulate more effective solutions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        To assess causal reasoning, incorporate\u00a0<\/span>scenario-based questions<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Give students a scenario they\u2019ve never encountered before that requires them to\u00a0<\/span>draw an inference<\/span><\/span>\u00a0about an event or\u00a0<\/span>predict what happens next.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        unsafe communities<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Students describe how illiteracy and povert lower community safety and list potential solutions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Here’s How Project Pals Helps You Assesss PBL<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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        Keep your expectations top-of-mind by entering them in the workspace <\/span>instructions<\/span><\/span> or <\/span>tasks:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Screen Shot 2021-12-10 at 11.21.43 AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Screen Shot 2021-12-10 at 11.20.42 AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        \n<\/span>Take the guess-work out of group work with <\/span>analytics tools<\/span><\/span><\/a> that tell you exactly who did what:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Screen Shot 2021-09-17 at 12.44.58 PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Screen Shot 2021-09-17 at 12.45.24 PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Assess structural knowledge and causal reasoning using <\/span>component<\/span><\/span> and <\/span>relationship<\/span><\/span> tools:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        cause-effect<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Ready to harness the power of PBL in your school or district?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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        {{cta(‘cfd75806-e509-48ac-82f6-acc6ef40ab09′,’justifycenter’)}}<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Assessment in traditional teaching used to be \u201ceasy.\u201d\u00a0 On test day, teachers would pass paper and pencil tests\u00a0full of multiple-choice and matching questions, which would\u00a0definitively determine\u00a0what a student had (or hadn\u2019t) learned.\u00a0 Of course, we now know this method is far from accurate. One day\u00a0and\u00a0one test\u00a0aren\u2019t nearly enough to assess students\u2019 learning,\u00a0especially\u00a0when we test knowledge […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":974,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3182"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3182"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3350,"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3182\/revisions\/3350"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectpals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}