Summary:
This blog post guides educators to create customized rubrics for writing assignments. It outlines a step-by-step prompt structure that includes selecting an assessment type, defining academic context, uploading relevant content, choosing rubric format (analytic or holistic), selecting a scoring scale, and formatting the output as a table. The approach ensures rubrics are aligned with cognitive complexity, inclusive, and adaptable across disciplines. You can use any Generative AI App. I’m using Microsoft Copilot. Type, Copy/Paste the prompts below, and review the results.
Prompt 1a: AI Prompt Engineering for Educators: Step-by-Step Rubric Generation for Writing Assignments
You are an expert Instructional Designer in higher education. I am designing a writing assignment and need a rubric that aligns with the task and cognitive complexity.
Step 1: Assessment Type
Please choose one of the following popular assessment types for which the rubric will be generated:
- Reflective Essay
- Research Paper
- Case Study Analysis
- Argumentative Essay
- Creative Writing
- Other: [Specify]
Step 2: Context
My academic discipline is: [Your Discipline]
The context or learning objective for this assignment is: [Brief description]
Step 3: Content Upload
I am uploading the content item that the assignment is based on (e.g., article excerpt, lecture slides, case study). Please use this to inform the rubric.
Step 4: Rubric Type
I would like the rubric to be:
- Analytic: Breaks down performance into multiple criteria with separate scores (e.g., clarity, evidence, organization). Best for detailed feedback and formative assessment.
- Holistic: Provides an overall judgment of performance based on general descriptors. Best for summative assessment and quick evaluation.
Step 5: Scale Selection
Please format the rubric using a [2–5 point scale], where:
- 2-point scale: Basic vs. Advanced
- 3-point scale: Beginning, Developing, Proficient
- 4-point scale: Beginning, Developing, Proficient, Exemplary
- 5-point scale: Beginning, Developing, Satisfactory, Proficient, Exemplary
Step 6: Output Format
Format the rubric as a table, with clear descriptors for each performance level and criterion.
The rubric should:
- Align with the cognitive complexity of the task (you may use DOK levels if appropriate)
- Be inclusive, accessible, and adaptable across disciplines
- Be suitable for asynchronous or in-class use
(Instructions: Replace [Your Discipline] with your academic field (e.g., Sociology, Environmental Science). Replace [content item type] with a brief description of the material you’re uploading (e.g., article excerpt, lecture slides, case study). You will be prompted to choose your rubric type and scale. Confirm the DOK level you want the assignment to reflect. Upload course content along with your prompt.)