Rubrics and Checklists

Rubrics. It is a word that I have heard for quite some time, but I had no clue what it meant. Little did I know that it referred to the criteria set to grade a student's work. Now I can completely see the usefullness in creating a rubric. Not only will it make work easier to grade, it will also keep me as a teacher from letting personal bias from affecting the student's grade. (Not that I will ever be bias...)

All that being said, I feel like a rubric can perhaps be a little too regimented for my tastes. I currently prefer the Checklist. A list of things that must be accomplished in order to receive full points. The checklist is broken down into sections, and each section has a number of total points available. Complete each item in that section of the checklist and the full point potential for that section will be received. Complete each item on the checklist and receive full points for the project.

I have checklists for every aspect of my life. Child count: Conner (check) Oz (check) Charlie (check). Is everyone wearing pants? Okay. We're good to go to church. Grocery Checklist: Diapers (check) Milk (check) Malt Liquor (check). Okay we've got it all now we can leave. Checklists are already a huge part of me, so the idea of checklists and teaching just makes me happy.