Rubric for Action Research Report component of the  
Science Education Portfolio (SEP)

Based on a 30 point maximum 

1. Abstract (0-2 points)

    Summary of research project briefly and appropriately
    describes research project

2. Introduction (0-3 points)
 
    Statement of problem and its significance
          The problem must be related to the capstone “big idea”
    Relevant research and how it applies to your problem
          Use your references to describe what others have done to
          investigate this question or problem and how your research
          builds upon existing research
    Carefully worded research question or problem
          The question or problem addressed must be related to the
          scientific “big idea” of the capstone course

3. Methods (0-3 points)

    Section includes description of the students that you worked
    with and a step by step plan for investigating the problem or
    question.

4.  Results/findings (0-4 points)
 
     Section included the following:
          Describe how you interpreted the data that you collected-
          Pre/post test analysis
      What are your overall conclusions? (Relate this back to your
      research question/problem and to the relevant research)
          Raw data (can be numbers in table format, quotes, etc.)
          that illustrates how you reached your conclusion

5.  Discussion (0-4 points)
 
     Description of:
          Your feelings about the project and additional projects on
          related topics that you might do in the future

          How will the project impact your teaching of the science
          concept that you addressed?

          Reflection on learning gains indicated by the post/pre-test
          gains.

          Plans for changing assessments/lessons or for next steps.

6.  Appendix (0-4 points)

     Lesson plans that reflect the results of the analysis, interview
     questions, questionnaires, observation checklists, etc. are 
     included
     In addition, the quality and appropriateness of the assessment 
     will be judged

7.  Quality of writing (0 – 4 points)

     4 points: sentences are complete, grammar is excellent, no  
     spelling errors, organization is clear – in short the piece is   
     well-written

     3 points: generally well-written but there are a few errors in 
     punctuation/spelling or organization is a bit unclear

     2 points: some sentences are incomplete, some spelling 
     errors, organization is muddled

     1 point: more than half of the sentences are incomplete,  
     paragraph structure is largely missing, difficult to determine 
     what student is saying

     0 point: description makes no coherent sense, multiple errors 
     in grammar, spelling, etc

 
8.  Thoughtfulness/college level (0 – 3 points)

     4 points: entire SEP component shows thoughtful 
     consideration of topic, presentation of information, science  
     content is correct, etc. is at college level

     3 points: presentation at college level but it appears that the 
     effort was “last minute”, partially incomplete

     2 points: some thoughtful analysis provided but not consistently 
     present throughout

     1 point: presentation barely at college level, mistakes in 
     concept are present

      0 point: ideas, writing are not at college level, minimal or no 
      consideration given to the topic

9.  References (0 – 2 points)
    
     2 points: A minimum of five print references in APA format, at 
     least two from educational journals or books. References are 
     in correct (APA or MLA) format
     
     1 point:  most references are in correct format, and/or less 
     than two educational journals or books cited as references

     0 point:   no references are in correct format

10.  Format as html (0 - 1 point)

       1 point: format is html

       0 points: format is not html

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