Rubrics
This section provides the common rubric for the Oral component of homework assignments and partial exams. Each homework or exam question defines the specific requirements and evaluation criteria for its Written component. The Written component is graded according to those question-specific instructions and required outputs. Written work must also follow Activity rules and consequences.
The \(H_1\) mark combines a team Written component mark and an individual Oral component mark for each student. For \(H_2\), \(E_1\), and \(E_2\), the Written and Oral component marks are initially team marks. The complete calculations are stated in Evaluation. The final exam has only a Written component.
Oral component rubric
The same Oral component criteria apply to homework presentations and partial-exam defenses. The rubric evaluates demonstrated understanding of the complete Written component version submitted by the team, not a separate presentation document or corrected version. For \(H_1\), the rubric is applied separately to each student and produces an individual Oral component mark based on the understanding that student demonstrates during the presentation. For \(H_2\), \(E_1\), and \(E_2\), the rubric produces an initial team Oral component mark even if the team decides that only one or some members speak during the presentation or defense. A student or team may earn a strong Oral component mark even if the complete Written component contains mistakes, provided that the mistakes are identified and precise corrections or improvements are explained. Conversely, a strong Written component does not guarantee a strong Oral component mark when the submitted work cannot be explained 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.
Applicability of criteria. Not every criterion necessarily applies to every Oral component. When a criterion is not relevant because of the nature of the activity or selected question, it will be marked N/A and excluded from the calculation. The remaining applicable criteria will be weighted equally when calculating the Oral component mark. An N/A is not equivalent to zero.
| Criterion | No evidence or weak (0-10) | Emerging (11-17) | Competent (18-21) | Strong (22-25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of the problem, objectives, or concepts (25 points) | Cannot explain the relevant problem, objectives, or concepts. | Shows limited or unclear understanding of the relevant elements. | Explains the relevant problem, objectives, or concepts with reasonable clarity. | Explains the relevant elements clearly, accurately, and thoughtfully. |
| Methodology or implementation (25 points) | Cannot explain the relevant methodology, code, or implementation. | Describes the relevant elements with limited understanding. | Explains the relevant methodology, code, or implementation with mostly correct reasoning. | Clearly justifies the relevant methodology or explains the code or implementation with confidence. |
| Results, interpretation, or limitations (25 points) | Cannot explain or interpret the relevant results, conclusions, or limitations. | Gives a superficial or partially incorrect account of the relevant elements. | Explains or interprets the relevant results, conclusions, or limitations with reasonable clarity. | Interprets the relevant elements clearly and precisely, including mistakes or possible improvements when applicable. |
| 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.