Grading Rubric for Journal Entries

 

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The journal entries provide the opportunity for you to think about the material as you read it and apply it to your own personal life.  For most answers, a well-developed paragraph is expected.  While your journal entries are not graded on grammar and paragraph development, your grade is based on your responses and how much you have thought about the question. 

There are 5 journal entries in each chapter and each entry is worth 4 points for a total of 20 points in each chapter.  Here is a sample journal entry with answers, points assigned and rationale for grading.    

 

The Question:

Write a paragraph with at least 3 ideas about how you can motivate yourself to be successful in college.  Use any of the following questions to think about your answer: How can you use positive thinking to be successful? How can you find something interesting in your studies?  How can you improve your concentration?  What are your intrinsic motivators for attending college.  Remember that intrinsic motivators are those that you do because you enjoy them or the are personally meaningful to you.  What are are some extrinsic motivators?  Are you motivated by money or achievement?  How can you use the concept of locus of control to improve your chances of success in college?  Do you believe that you create your own success?  What are some rewards you can use to increase your positive behavior?

 

The Answer: 


I don’t know.  I haven’t thought about it.

No Credit
Rationale: You have not shown that you have thought about the question.


Positive thinking, getting a good job, earning a good income

1 Point
Rationale: You have 3 important ideas here, but have not given much thought about them.  Use complete sentences in your answer.   



Positive thinking is the most important way to motivate myself.  If I think positively, I am more likely to take the steps needed for success.  When I start to think that I can’t do something, I will remind myself of my goals in life and motivate myself to get started.  If I am having problems, I can ask for help. 

2 Points
Rationale:  This is a good statement about positive thinking, but the answer is incomplete since the question asks for 3 ideas. 


Positive thinking is a good first step in motivating myself to be successful.  If I think positively, I am more likely to take the steps needed for success.  When I start to think that I can’t do something, I will remind myself of my goals in life and motivate myself to get started.  If I am having problems, I can ask for help.  I can also use some extrinsic motivation, since I am going to college to get a good job.  If I have trouble motivating myself, I can think of that good job and salary in my future. 

3 Points
Rationale: This is a good statement about positive thinking and extrinsic motivation, but the answer is still incomplete since the question asks for 3 ideas. 


Positive thinking is a good first step in motivating myself to be successful.  If I think positively, I am more likely to take the steps needed for success.  When I start to think that I can’t do something, I will remind myself of my goals in life and motivate myself to get started.  If I am having problems, I can ask for help.  I can also use some extrinsic motivation since I am going to college to get a good job.  If I have trouble motivating myself, I can think of that good job and salary in my future.  I can also use locus of control and remind myself that I am in charge of my future.  If I work hard, I can have the future I want. 

4 Points
Rationale: This answer shows that you have thought about the question and have at least 3 ideas for motivating yourself to be successful in college.  This answer earns full credit.