Critical Thinking Rubric

Scoring Scale: 4 (Excellent) - 3 (Good) - 2 (Satisfactory) - 1 (Needs Improvement)

1. Question Quality & Curiosity (25 points)

4 - Excellent (22-25 points)

• Asks deep, probing questions that demonstrate genuine curiosity
• Questions build logically on previous responses
• Seeks to understand underlying principles and connections
• Asks “why” and “how” questions frequently
• Challenges assumptions appropriately

3 - Good (18-21 points)

• Asks relevant follow-up questions
• Shows interest in understanding concepts
• Some evidence of building on previous responses
• Asks clarifying questions when confused

2 - Satisfactory (14-17 points)

• Asks basic follow-up questions
• Questions are mostly surface-level
• Limited evidence of curiosity beyond the main problem
• Accepts explanations without much questioning

1 - Needs Improvement (0-13 points)

• Asks few or no follow-up questions
• Accepts first answer without exploration
• Shows little curiosity about the topic
• Questions are off-topic or irrelevant

2. Analysis & Problem-Solving (25 points)

4 - Excellent (22-25 points)

• Breaks complex problems into manageable parts
• Considers multiple approaches or solutions
• Analyzes information critically before accepting it
• Identifies patterns and relationships
• Evaluates the validity of different approaches

3 - Good (18-21 points)

• Shows evidence of analytical thinking
• Attempts to break down problems
• Considers some alternative approaches
• Questions some information appropriately

2 - Satisfactory (14-17 points)

• Basic problem-solving approach
• Limited analysis of information
• Follows suggested approaches without much evaluation
• Some evidence of thinking through problems

1 - Needs Improvement (0-13 points)

• No evidence of analytical thinking
• Does not break down complex problems
• Accepts information without analysis
• Shows minimal problem-solving effort

3. Connections & Synthesis (20 points)

4 - Excellent (18-20 points)

• Makes clear connections to prior knowledge
• Links concepts across different topics or subjects
• Synthesizes information from multiple sources
• Sees the bigger picture and broader applications
• Transfers learning to new contexts

3 - Good (15-17 points)

• Makes some connections to prior knowledge
• Shows understanding of how concepts relate
• Some evidence of synthesis
• Beginning to see broader applications

2 - Satisfactory (11-14 points)

• Limited connections to prior knowledge
• Basic understanding of concept relationships
• Minimal synthesis of information
• Focuses mainly on immediate problem

1 - Needs Improvement (0-10 points)

• No connections to prior knowledge
• Treats each concept in isolation
• No evidence of synthesis
• Cannot see relationships between ideas

4. Metacognition & Reflection (15 points)

4 - Excellent (14-15 points)

• Reflects on their own thinking process
• Recognizes when they don’t understand something
• Adjusts approach based on feedback
• Explains their reasoning clearly
• Demonstrates awareness of their learning

3 - Good (12-13 points)

• Some reflection on thinking process
• Usually recognizes confusion
• Generally explains reasoning
• Shows some awareness of learning

2 - Satisfactory (9-11 points)

• Limited reflection on thinking
• Sometimes explains reasoning
• Basic awareness of understanding
• Minimal self-assessment

1 - Needs Improvement (0-8 points)

• No reflection on thinking process
• Does not recognize confusion
• Cannot explain reasoning
• No awareness of learning process

5. Engagement & Persistence (15 points)

4 - Excellent (14-15 points)

• Sustained engagement throughout conversation
• Persists through challenging concepts
• Takes initiative in exploring topics
• Demonstrates intellectual courage
• Maintains focus on learning goals

3 - Good (12-13 points)

• Good engagement most of the time
• Shows persistence with some challenges
• Generally stays focused on topic
• Willing to work through difficulties

2 - Satisfactory (9-11 points)

• Basic engagement with the topic
• Limited persistence when challenged
• Sometimes goes off-topic
• Gives up relatively easily

1 - Needs Improvement (0-8 points)

• Poor engagement with the topic
• No persistence when challenged
• Frequently off-topic
• Gives up immediately when confused

Total Score: ___/100

Grade Conversion

• A: 90-100 points
• B: 80-89 points
• C: 70-79 points
• D: 60-69 points
• F: Below 60 points

Additional Comments

[Space for specific feedback on student’s critical thinking development]

Next Steps

[Suggestions for improving critical thinking skills]