grading and rubrics

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