On Kohn's "The Trouble with Rubrics"

I recently read the short article "The Trouble with Rubrics" by Alfie Kohn. After going through the article, I strongly disagree with what Kohn is saying. Kohn kept bringing up the argument that rubrics are "a tool to promote standardization, to turn teachers into grading machines..." I think that rubrics are a helpful way to grade students. When a student has a rubric they know what they are being graded on and what needs to be included in their paper in order to receive credit. In a way, the entire class is receiving a standardized rubric, but as a teacher I am going through and taking my time grading student papers. I do not plan to rush through my grading and circle any number that I please. Rubrics are helping both the students and the teacher know what elements need to be included in the paper.

Finally, another argument that Kohn brought up dealt with rubrics taking away students creativity. A sixth grader is quoted in the article as saying, "The whole time I'm writing, I'm not thinking about what I'm saying or how I'm saying it. I'm worried about what grade the teacher will give me, even if she's handed out a rubric." When I read this to myself I thought how many kids honestly feel this way? Kohn only provided one example! I talked with some of my friends about rubrics and they all agreed that they think they are helpful. My friend Nate said something along the lines of rubrics help him to know what he needs to include in his assignment. I agree with my friend. For me, rubrics are great. They help me to know exactly what I am being graded on and what specifically needs to be included in an assignment.

In general, I think rubrics are a wonderful instrument to use in the classroom. Not only do they help teachers, but they assist students in completing their assignments as well.

On a completely different note, I have really been enjoying the writing strategy demonstrations we have been doing in class. I have gotten a bunch of great ideas that I can use in my classroom. I plan to incorporate some of them next semester!!