Department of Mathematics and Statistics
MAT 495 Oral Presentation Rubric
This rubric is for use by department faculty to assess the effectiveness of the mathematics curriculum. Please circle the observed level of
performance for each characteristic, and add clarifying comments or specific strengths or weaknesses at the bottom of the form.
Student name: _______________________________________
Faculty evaluator: _____________________________________
Statement of problem or
result
Description of historical
origin of topic
Explanation of relevance of
topic
Use of mathematical
terminology and notation
Correctness of
mathematical reasoning
Clarity of exposition
Appropriate citations
Understanding of topics
reflected by ability to
respond to questions
Level of depth of topic and
exposition
Comments:
Fully accomplished
The statement of the
problem or result is
prominent and understood
by the audience.
The historical context of
the topic is summarized in
an interesting way.
Motivation and importance
of the material are clearly
explained.
Notation is skillfully used
and clearly explained;
terminology is explained
and used flawlessly.
The mathematical
reasoning is sound and
cohesive; proofs are wellpresented.
Information is presented in
a logical, interesting
sequence that is easily
followed by the audience.
All sources are cited
appropriately.
Student demonstrates
outstanding ability to
answer questions in depth
and with elaboration.
The material is advanced
and challenging.
Presentation title: _________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________
Accomplished, perhaps with flaws
The problem or result is
The statement of the
stated, but with little
problem or result is unclear
elaboration.
or seriously flawed.
Not accomplished
The problem or result is
unstated.
The historical context of
the topic is described.
Only occasional historical
references are made.
No history of the topic is
mentioned.
A fair attempt is made to
motivate the topic and
explain its relevance.
Notation and terminology
are used correctly with
only a few exceptions.
Motivation and relevance
of the topic are
superficially addressed.
There is a clear need for
improvement in the use of
terminology or notation.
The mathematical
reasoning is mostly
correct, but perhaps
lacking in some minor way.
The presentation is mostly
logical and easy to follow.
The presentation contains
some flaws or omissions in
mathematical reasoning.
It is not made clear why
this material is of any
interest.
Terminology and notation
are incorrectly and
inconsistently used to the
point of distraction.
The mathematical
reasoning is either absent
or seriously flawed.
The presentation is
sometimes disjointed or
hard to follow.
The presentation is
disorganized and
confused.
Citations have minor
omissions or flaws.
Student is at ease with the
material, but answers to
questions may be limited in
elaboration.
The material is at an
intermediate level, but
appropriate for a senior
project.
Citations have major
omissions or are incorrect.
Student is uncomfortable
with the information and
can answer only
rudimentary questions.
The material is mostly at
an introductory level.
No attempt is made to cite
the work of others.
Student does not have a
grasp of the subject and
cannot answer questions
about the topic.
The material is superficial
and below expectations.