Alfie Kohn Wrote an article titled The
Trouble With Rubrics. The
article is all about Kohn's thoughts on grading and rubrics for
students. There are
a lot of things I agreed with in the article. Kohn starts off by
explaining how rubrics are a standard for educators every where. Many
educators think they are a good idea especially because it takes away
the harshness of direct letter grades. The use of rubrics might make
organizing
a class and making grades more easier for a teacher but the problem
is that rubrics do not teach students or explain how a student can
improve. As stated in the
article a B+ or “three 3's” tell a parent little on how a student
can do better or what did they do wrong.
Other
things I agree with Kohn are, Students are taking less risks with
class work and exams because they fear getting a low grade. Students
should be exploring new subjects as deep as possible to really grasp
an understanding and not just focus on the information to get an A.
Students get too wrapped up
in “ How well am I doing” verses “ What am I doing”. Rubrics
are also seen as boring objectives to students, which makes class
lessons seem less appealing.
I
think that it would be hard to have a set in stone rubric for music
class for every student.
Music is a very creative subject and should not have strict
guidelines. Also all students are at different talent levels and
learn at different rates. I
feel a good way to asses music
students is by having them recorded themselves practicing once a
week, listen to the recording and just comment briefly on it. This
will enforce practicing and students wont have to recorded anything
in particular, just what they are practicing that day. Another way is
when a new piece is first handed out the teacher will record the
student sight reading a section. Then in a month record the part
again and varying on their skill level asses on improvement. The
teacher will then write up an explanation
on the students improvement and discuss with the student.
Article:
The Trouble with Rubrics
by. Alfie Kohn
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