Tech Tips Newsletter - Collaboration and Teamwork Assessment

Editor: Karen Franker
In this Section

Rubrics for Collaboration and Discussions

Consider the benefits of rubrics to streamline grading and clarify expectations for discussions and collaborative group work and explore samples of successful rubrics created by educators.

How to Use a Rubric without Stifling Creativity 
Grant Wiggins asserts that rubrics do not squelch originality if accompanied by a variety of model examples, and if fresh ideas are explicitly encouraged and valued. 

Your Rubric is a Hot Mess; Here’s How to Fix It 
Jennifer Gonzalez describes the use of a simple single-point rubric to highlight targeted student behavior and to provide detailed feedback on performance. 

Cultural Sensitivity Needed in Online Discussion Rubric Language 
Debra Ferdinand explains how subtle wording changes in rubric descriptors can mitigate differences in intercultural communication styles and create a more inclusive class climate. 

Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Grading Rubric for Online Discussions (PDF) 
Ann Solan and Nikolaos Linardopoulos present their findings about developing, implementing, and gathering student perceptions of an online discussion rubric that considers quantity, quality, timeliness, and communication proficiency. 

Rubric Examples

Teamwork Rubric (PDF) 
The staff at Stephen F. Austin University provide a modified five-point rubric adapted from the AACU Teamwork Value Rubric. 

Middle School/High School Collaboration Rubric 
Karen Franker’s rubric contains six criteria for assessing secondary school student collaboration projects including: dependability, research, listening, and questioning. 

Upper Elementary Teamwork Rubric 
Karen Franker's rubric includes six defined criteria for assessing team and individual responsibility including: focus on the task, work habits, and problem-solving. 

Primary Grade (K-2) Self-Evaluation Teamwork Rubric (PDF)
 

Discussion Board Rubric 
This sample rubric from the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information includes categories such as: connection to course materials, contribution to learning community, and writing quality. 

Discussion Participation Rubric (PDF) 
Kelvin Thompson’s rubric includes criteria such as: responsiveness, application, timeliness, and adherence to protocols. 

Online Discussion Rubric 
Joan Vandervelde's discussion rubric assesses the ability to critically analyze, actively participate, respectfully interact, and clearly communicate. 

Tech Tip: Creative Commons Image Attribution Shortcut Tool

Richard Byrne describes how the free Flickr CC Attribution Helperbookmarklet allows quick formatting of Flickr Creative Commons image citations.

After the bookmarklet is installed onto a Web browser toolbar, the attribution text and HTML code for a selected image will appear in a pop-up window whenever the user clicks on the Attribution Helper tool.

Featured Online Course

Meet your professional development goals for continuing education, license renewal or advanced certification.

EDUC 762 Assessment in E-Learning

  • Design robust online assessments
  • Learn strategies to minimize plagiarism
  • Develop concise rubrics for evaluating achievement of learning objectives
  • Discover timesaving voice and video grading options
  • Use blogs, wikis, surveys, and e-portfolios to assess individual and group activities

"I found this class to be immensely gratifying, and I can honestly say that my mind is full with new ideas, new concepts and new ways to assess students that I either shrugged off as ‘it will never work’ or simply didn't think to consider.”
~ Kristina Vines, Technical College Instructor/Program Chairperson Surgical Technology