Describe the difference between a rubric and a checklist in classroom assessment.

• A. A rubric is a simple yes/no list; a checklist describes levels.
• B. A rubric defines criteria and performance levels; a checklist records whether specific steps or tasks are completed.
• C. A rubric is used to track attendance; a checklist is used for grading.
• D. A rubric is used for seating charts; a checklist is for rubric.

Answer: (B)

A rubric sets clear criteria and describes levels of performance for each criterion, showing what quality looks like at different points on the scale. It helps you judge not just whether something is done, but how well it meets expectations, and it supports consistent scoring and specific feedback across students. A checklist, by contrast, is a simple list of steps or required elements to complete, used to verify that everything is present or done, without assessing how well it was done. So a rubric is about quality and progression, while a checklist is about completeness of components.