Rubrics are particularly useful in Active learning environments where projects and papers are used for assessment. The use of rubrics gives the students information about what is expected in the assignment. However, I have found that rubrics encourage students to "perform" at a minimum, instead of excelling to their highest potential. I believe it is good to put an evaluation category in the rubric at the top end of the scale that says "the student has exceeded or gone beyond what is expected and required." This encourages students to be creative and think beyond the minimum to get a good grade and to excel.
