What can rubrics provide students besides clear criteria for grading?

Rubrics serve an important role in educational assessment by not only establishing clear criteria for grading but also by offering valuable guidance on improvement and learning goals. When students receive feedback from rubrics, it can highlight specific areas where they have performed well and areas that need further development. This constructive feedback helps them understand how to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they have a clear pathway for improvement.

Additionally, rubrics often align with learning objectives, which means that the feedback provided ties directly to the goals of the assignment or project. This helps students not only grasp where they stand in their current abilities but also encourages them to set personal learning targets based on the elements outlined in the rubric. By using rubrics in this way, educators can foster a growth mindset in their students, promoting continuous learning and development.