UMaine Student Symposium Project Evaluation Rubric

Component & Criteria

Topic and Purpose:

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1 point – Not provided. The topic and purpose were not obvious

2 points- Novice. The author describes the main idea and purpose of the research/project

3 points – Proficient. The author describes the main idea and purpose of the research/project and indicates why the research/project is important

4 points- Advanced. The author describes the main idea and purpose of the research/project and indicates why the research/project is important. The author places the research/project in a larger topical context by providing relevant citations to the literature.

Method:

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1 point – Not provided. The method of inquiry was not described.

2 points – Novice. The author describes what they did.

3 points – Proficient. The author describes what they did and the nature of the sources of the collected data, as well as the methods of collection.

4 points – Advanced. The author describes what they did and the nature of the sources of the collected data, as well as the methods of collection. The author also convinces the audience that the methodology employed was appropriate for addressing the research/project question.

Results:

*Weight 1x

1 point – Not provided. Not clear what was found.

2 points – Novice. The author describes what they learned.

3 points – Proficient. The author describes what they learned and provides quantitative outcomes for the main results.

4 points – Advanced. The author describes what they learned and provides quantitative outcomes for the main results. They also relate the results to the research/project question.

Conclusions:

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1 point – Not provided. No conclusions provided.

2 points – Novice. The author describes the cause-and-effect relationship of the problem/issue.

3 points – Proficient. The author describes the cause-and-effect relationship of the problem/issue and the conclusions that they draw from the research or project.

4 points – Advanced. The author describes the cause-and-effect relationship of the problem/issue and the conclusions that they draw from the research or project. And how this work will contribute to the field.

Presentation:

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1 point – Not provided. Lack of any presentation or presentation techniques; e.g., small font, wordy poster, no graphics, no eye contact with the audience, not the audience, uses monotone voice, poorly organized poster, exhibit, oral, or musical presentation.

2 points – Novice. The presenter uses a few presentation techniques, room for improvement.

3 points – Proficient. The presenter uses some presentation techniques, room for improvement.

4 points – Advanced. The presenter uses a combination of multiple presentation techniques, and the presenter effectively uses inflections of voice (e.g., not monotone), gestures, eye contact, and graphics to enhance the presentation.

Depth of Knowledge:

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1 point – Not provided. The presenter does not demonstrate adequate understanding of the topic.

2 points – Novice. The presenter moderately understands the topic and the objectives.

3 points – Proficient. The presenter demonstrates substance and depth; shows mastery of material.

4 points – Advanced. The presenter demonstrates substance and depth; shows mastery of material and ability to answer questions satisfactorily.

Overall Rating:

*Weight 2x

1 point – Not provided. Lack of substance and depth, combined with poor presentation.

2 points – Novice. Either a lack of substance and depth or poor presentation.

3 points – Proficient. Demonstrates deep understanding of the topic and presents effectively.

4 points – Advanced. Demonstrates deep understanding of the topic and presents effectively. And engages the audience. Provides a clear motivation and draws a roadmap for the future.