Rubrics
This section provides the rubric for the Oral component of homework assignments and partial exams. The Written component is evaluated according to the specific instructions, questions, and required outputs of each activity. Written work must also follow Activity rules and consequences.
Team marks for homework assignments and partial exams combine the Written and Oral components as stated in Evaluation. The final exam has only a Written component.
Oral component rubric
The same Oral component rubric applies to homework presentations and partial-exam defenses. It evaluates demonstrated understanding of the Written component version submitted by the team, not a separate presentation document or corrected version. A team may earn a strong Oral component mark even if the Written component contains mistakes, provided that the team identifies those mistakes and explains precise corrections or improvements. Conversely, a strong Written component does not guarantee a strong Oral component mark if the team cannot explain the work clearly.
During the Oral component, I will normally display the submitted homework or partial-exam answer on screen. Students explain the submitted work from that displayed version only and may not use written notes, scripts, prepared guides, AI tools, electronic assistance, or any other support material.
| Criterion | No evidence or weak (0-10) | Emerging (11-17) | Competent (18-21) | Strong (22-25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Problem, objectives, and concepts (25 points) | Cannot explain the problem, objective, or core concepts. | Shows partial or unclear understanding. | Explains the problem and main concepts with reasonable clarity. | Explains the problem, objective, and concepts clearly, accurately, and thoughtfully. |
| Methodology and implementation (25 points) | Cannot explain the method, code, or implementation. | Mentions the method or code but with limited understanding. | Explains the method and implementation with mostly correct reasoning. | Clearly justifies the methodology and explains the code or implementation with confidence. |
| Results, interpretation, and limitations (25 points) | Cannot interpret the results or conclusions. | Gives superficial or partially incorrect interpretation. | Interprets results and conclusions in a mostly clear and relevant way. | Interprets results, limitations, mistakes, and possible improvements clearly and precisely. |
| Communication, clarity, and defense (25 points) | Presentation is disorganized, unclear, or read without understanding. | Communication is hesitant, incomplete, or difficult to follow. | Presentation is clear enough, structured, and mostly coherent. | Presentation is clear, fluent, professional, and responsive to questions. |
Common instruction verbs
Here, I define a few common verbs used in homework and exam instructions.
- Define. State the precise meaning of a term or concept. Your response should be concise, accurate, and free from ambiguity, often including a formal or widely accepted definition.
- Describe. Provide a detailed account of the characteristics or features of a concept, process, or phenomenon. Focus on “what it is” and include relevant details, but avoid analysis or interpretation unless specified.
- Explain. Clarify the “why” or “how” of a concept or phenomenon. Provide reasoning, causes, or mechanisms to ensure the topic is fully understood, often using examples or logical arguments to support your answer.
- Replicate. (e.g., replicate a figure or table). Reproduce a figure, table, or result from provided data or information using appropriate tools and methods. Ensure that the replication matches the original in terms of accuracy, formatting, and presentation.
- Compare. Identify and discuss the similarities between two or more items, concepts, or processes. Highlight key points of resemblance and ensure the comparison is structured and focused.
- Contrast. Identify and discuss the differences between two or more items, concepts, or processes. Highlight key points of distinction while maintaining a clear structure in your response.
- Evaluate. Assess the strengths, weaknesses, or implications of a concept, argument, or result. Your answer should include a reasoned judgment supported by evidence or criteria, rather than mere opinion.
- Analyze. Break down a topic or problem into its essential components to examine relationships, patterns, or underlying principles. Your response should include interpretation and insight based on evidence or logical reasoning.
- Extend. (e.g., extend an analysis or model) Go beyond the original scope of an analysis or model by adding new elements, perspectives, or considerations. This could involve applying it to new data, proposing modifications, or exploring additional implications.
- Estimate. Provide an approximate calculation, measurement, or judgment based on available data, information, or assumptions. Clearly state the method or reasoning used to arrive at your estimate and acknowledge its potential limitations.
- Comment. Provide a brief but insightful observation or opinion on a topic, issue, or result. Your response should be concise and focused, offering interpretation, critique, or additional perspective without requiring extensive elaboration.
- Discuss. Explore a topic in depth by presenting a balanced argument or analysis. Your response should include multiple viewpoints, evidence, or examples, and may evaluate or interpret different aspects of the topic. A structured and thorough approach is expected.