Are tests the only objective assessments?

      Objective assessments are very important since they help to standardize scores and really help the students understand what they know. Tests are the most common form of objective assessment, but they are not the only ones. With some creativity and thought, a teacher can create a different type of assessment and a rubric for it. Using a rubric, as long as it is well written, will help to make a project objective. For example, asking students to create a model of the Earth can be seen as a very subjective task. By including a rubric such as the following, the task has now been pulled into the more objective realm.

       Creating a rubric that makes a project objective can be a very difficult task, but it is well worth the time.  To create an objective rubric, the teacher must think about what knowledge and skills the student will need to present during the project.  Think about what would be assessed during a standard test.  Begin with the basics of what would make an average grade and place that into the rubric, then add details that you would expect to see for a little above average and really above average.  By allowing students to see the rubric and discussing it with them before they begin the project, they will know exactly what you are looking for and it will not be as subjective as it was before.