Assessment Rubric for Graduate Thesis Seminar
NAME:
Developing
Criterion
3 4
1 Introductory Title or abstract lacks relevance or fails
Matters: Title to offer appropriate details about the
and Abstract educational issue, variables, context, or
methods of the project.
Weight = 1
2 Introduction: Research issue is identified, but
Problem, statement is too broad or fails to
Significance, & establish the importance of the problem.
Purpose of the The research purpose, questions,
Study hypotheses, definitions or variables and
controls are poorly formed, ambiguous,
or not logically connected to the
Weight = 3 description of the problem. Unclear
connections to the literature.
3 Literature A key component was not connected to
Review the research literature. Selected
literature was from unreliable sources.
Literary supports were vague or
Weight = 3
ambiguous.
4 Methods: The research design is confusing or
Research incomplete given the research questions
Design and strategy. Important limitations and
assumptions have not been identified.
Weight = 3
5 Methods: Description of the instruments and
Instruments techniques were confusing, incomplete,
or lacked relevance to the research
questions and variables.
Weight = 2
6 Methods: Procedures were confusing, incomplete,
Procedures or lacked relevance to purpose, research
questions, or sampling strategy.
Weight = 3
7 Methods: Data Descriptive or statistical methods were
Analysis confusing, incomplete or lacked
relevance to the research questions,
Weight = 1 data, or research design.
DATE:
Accomplished
Title and abstract are relevant, offering
details about the research project.
Identifies a relevant research issue.
Research questions are succinctly
stated, connected to the research
issue, and supported by the literature.
Variables and controls have been
identified and described. Connections
are established with the literature.
Key research components were
connected to relevant, reliable
theoretical and research literature.
The research design has been
identified and described in sufficiently
detailed terms. Some limitations and
assumptions have been identified.
Instruments and observation protocols
were identified by name and
described.
Procedures for project were identified
and described in an appropriate
fashion.
Both descriptive and statistical
methods were identified. Level of
significance was stated.
Exemplary Prof
5 Rating
Title and abstract are informative,
succinct, and offer specific details about
the educational issue, variables, context, /5
and proposed methods of the study.
Presents a significant research problem
related to the chemical sciences.
Articulates clear, reasonable research
questions given the purpose, design, and
methods of the project. All variables and
controls have been appropriately /15
defined. Proposals are clearly supported
from the research and theoretical
literature. All elements are mutually
supportive.
Narrative integrates critical and logical
details from the peer-reviewed
theoretical and research literature. Each
key research component is grounded to /15
the literature. Attention is given to
different perspectives, threats to validity,
and opinion vs. evidence.
The purpose, questions, and design are
mutually supportive and coherent.
Attention has been given to eliminating
alternative explanations and controlling /15
extraneous variables. Appropriate and
important limitations and assumptions
have been clearly stated.
Descriptions of instruments and
techniques included protocols and
replications. Evidence of the validity and /10
reliability was presented.
Procedures were thorough, coherent,
and powerful for generating valid and
reliable data. Procedures were /15
replicable.
Analytical methods were sufficiently
specific, clear, and appropriate for the
research questions. /5
8 Oral Has little eye contact; reads extensively
Presentation from notes and/or reports. Extensive
Delivery memorization. Stiff and/or rote delivery.
Displays excessive nervousness.
Weight = 2
9 Slide Show Poorly organized. Not appealing to the
Layout and eye. Too many extras (e.g. transitions)
Presentation Message not the most important
characteristic.
Weight = 1
10 Professionalism Joked during the presentation. Used
inappropriate sound and slide effects to
Weight = 1 make the presentation appear flashy.
Dressed poorly for a formal presentation.
Did not appear to take the assignment
seriously.
Comments:
Recommendation (check one):
Presentation was satisfactory and I recommend the above score for the overall grade.
Presentation is not satisfactory and must be repeated.
Some eye contact; sufficient Engaging; has excellent eye contact;
understanding of the topic; some demonstrates considerable
reference to notes or evidence of understanding of the topic by speaking to /10
memorization. the audience with infrequent references
to notes. Calm and relaxed delivery.
Spoken and visual presentation mostly Effectively integrates spoken and visual
integrated. Organization apparent and presentation. A high degree of
appealing. originality, organization and eye appeal.
/5
Used humor rarely and appropriately. Used humor rarely and appropriately.
Used sound and slide effects rarely Used sound and slide effects rarely and
and appropriately. Dressed casually. appropriately. Dressed as a professional
Took the assignment seriously. would dress. Obvious that this student /5
took the presentation as an extremely
important step in their professional
career.
Total: _/ 100