DRAFT I: CRITICAL THINKING RUBRIC
Directions: This rubric is as a tool to assess students’ critical thinking skills, as defined in FSU’s Undergraduate Education Initiative (UEI). This
form can be used for assessing individual students’ work. It can also display learning outcomes data for an individual course or for numerous
course offerings over a given time period.
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT NAME:
COURSE:
Fundamental Thinking
Skill Categories
Learning Objectives
Application – the ability to

use knowledge and
understanding new contexts

Analysis – the ability to

break a complex concept
apart to see the relationships
of its components


Evaluation, problemsolving, decision-making –
the ability to make an
informed judgment
Synthesis – the ability to put
what one has learned
together in a new, original
way
Optional Categories
Creativity –using knowledge





in a new context
Metacognition – learning

how to learn and how to
manage one’s own learning

Below
Expectations
Meets
Expectations
Above
Expectations
Students apply research methods to evaluate the
problem.
Students apply acquired knowledge to evaluate a
problem.
Students approach questions with an open-minded
and curious attitude.
Students analyze questions and problems from
multiple perspectives and points of view.
Students distinguish facts from opinions and have
healthy skepticism about arguments and claims.
Students solve problems by synthesizing ideas within
and across disciplines.
Students evaluate evidence from information provided
for within the course or project.
Students construct logical conclusions to a problem or
issue.
Students design and conduct a study/project.
Students conceive of original, unorthodox solutions to
a problem.
Students develop a personal study strategy that makes
the most of their learning styles.
Students identify the strengths and weaknesses of
their completed work.
Sources:
Suskie, L. 2004. Assessing Student Learning: A Common Sense Guide
Critical Thinking: Guideline and Final Recommendations. 2005. Frostburg State University
Updated 5/27/2010