OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT RATING FORM

OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT RATING FORM

The History Department rates papers for purposes of its annual outcomes assessment by assigning point scores according to the following scale:

0

Unsatisfactory

1

Satisfactory/competent

2

Proficient/excellent.

You may use fractional points if you wish; please note, however, that 2.0 is the maximum number of points that may be assigned.

Please base your ratings on your opinion of the general characteristics and qualities of each paper. You should not ignore the content of the papers in cases where you have knowledge of the topic, of course; remember, however, that you are not expected to acquire detailed expertise of the papers' subjects in order to assess them. You need not make verbal comments. Should you choose to do so, please confine yourself to the space at the bottom of this sheet, and its back; do not mark the essays themselves.

Please rate each paper in all of the following categories. The Overall Rating is not a sum, and need not be an average, of the component scores.

1. Argument

Does the essay propound a thesis? Does the writer support it with an adequate argument? Is the argument coherent? Convincing?

 

2. Evidence

Does the writer use primary source evidence to support his or her argument? Does the writer demonstrate analytical and critical skills in using these sources? Does the writer take proper note of their biases?

 

3. Historiography

Does the writer use other historians' work appropriately to frame his or her argument? Does the writer take account of interpretations that diverge from his or her own? Does the writer demonstrate critical skills in the use of secondary sources?

 

5. Expression

Does the writer use language skillfully?

 

6. Form

Does the writer adhere to the normal rules of citation in footnotes, bibliography, etc.? Are the citations adequate to allow the reader to form a critical opinion of the range and use of sources?

 

7. Overall Rating

Bear in mind that this is a summary judgment of the paper's quality, and need not reflect an average of the categories above. Such factors as creativity and originality should be considered in this category.

 

Comments (optional):

 

 

 

Source: University of Colorado at Boulder. Undergraduate Outcomes Assessment

http://www.colorado.edu/pba/outcomes/units/hist.htm