A rubric is defined as a scoring scale used to evaluate a learner's work. In the design of an activity, rubrics spell out to learners exactly what is expected of them and on precisely what criteria facilitators will assess them. Rubrics also help facilitators by providing guidelines for more objective grading.
Rubrics are essential for assessing work in any classroom setting, but they are especially critical for online courses, where all information must be clearly stated in course documents.
Courses you take often will use rubrics for each or most assignments. Here is an example of some standard rubrics used to assess discussions (that promote collaborative communication), journal assignments, a movie guide, and a study guide.