Scoring rubrics are suitable when the assignment has several parts that work together simultaneously. For example, in a class presentation, the accuracy of the material and the student’s oral presentation both influence the success of the presentation. However, in a math class, the success or failure of the student depends on his ability to answer the math questions correctly, so a scoring rubric would be unnecessary.
Teachers sometimes want specific responses from students so they can ensure the students understand the course material, according to Harvard University. For example, when the teacher wants the student to explain an invention and the impact the invention had on society, the student might mention the invention, but not the invention’s impact. This would lead to partial credit for at least describing the invention.
Rubrics are especially helpful when the teacher wants to help students understand a specific concept, states Harvard University. For example, the teacher can tell students that she will focus on the strength of the thesis when grading papers and then explain to students what a thesis is. The teacher then gives more points for a strong thesis than for other characteristics of the student's work.
Rubrics are helpful when teachers are unsure of whether the students understand what is expected of them, reports Kennesaw State University. If the teacher shares the rubric with the students, hopefully they will adjust their focus when constructing the assignment. The teacher can then justify why the student received a particular grade.
Rubrics are helpful when the teacher is trying something new. The teacher does not always know how the assignment should be assessed, so the rubric helps focus on the specific changes the teacher wants to see in student thinking. Also, the teacher can gauge whether his pedagogical approach was successful. Rubrics are also easy to use and understand, so students struggling to understand new concepts will have some of the ambiguity removed. The teacher can focus on adjusting to the new unit and spend less time figuring how to assess student writing.