Fortune #40

Imagine two students asked to “analyze an article.” One begins summarizing it; the other compares its evidence. Both are working hard, but neither knows what the instructor expects to see. This is an illustrative scene.

Columbia University's Center for Teaching and Learning explains that rubrics make assignment criteria and levels of quality explicit. Students can use them to ask targeted questions and review their drafts.

Asking before polishing is not asking for a ready-made answer. It directs effort toward the skill the task is meant to assess. If no rubric is available, a brief question may help the whole class.

Before starting, ask what “analyze” should demonstrate in this assignment. Write down two things your draft must show, then use those same points to check the work before submitting.