iRubric: Creative Thinking Skills rubric

The student does not think about various possible solutions or approaches to a problem or project. The student thinks of one solution or approach, and starts to work on the problem or project.

The student tries to think of more than one possible solution or approach to a problem or project.

The student considers and rejects less acceptable approaches to solving problems.

The student generates a few solutions to a problem or project. The student sometimes evaluates them using a variety of criteria to choose the best solution or approach.

Having selected from among alternatives, the student develops a logical, consistent plan to solve the problem.

The student generates several possible solutions or approaches to a problem or project. The student evaluates them using criteria of practicality, efficiency, and elegance to choose the best solution.

Not only does the student develop a logical, consistent plan to solve the problem, but the student recognizes the consequences of the solution and can articulate reasons for choosing that solution.

The student reformulates a collection of available ideas.

The student relies on existing examples, models, ideas, or directions.

The student follows rules and conventions.

The student uses materials and ideas in typical ways.

The student experiment s with creating novel or unique ideas, forms, products, or solutions

The student formulates ideas or improvements, but their ideas are predictable or conventional.

The student tries to step outside the rules and conventions, or to find new uses for common materials or ideas.

The student create novel or unique ideas, forms, products, or solutions.

The student’s work is unique, surprising, and shows a personal touch.

The student extends a novel or unique idea, form, product, or solution to create new knowledge or knowledge that crosses boundaries.

The student’s work may successfully break rules and conventions, or use common materials in a new, clever, and surprising way.

The student stays strictly within the guidelines of the assignment.

The student considers new directions or approaches without going beyond the guidelines of the assignment.

The student incorporates new directions or approaches to the assignment in the final product.

The student actively seeks out and follows through on untested and potentially risky directions or approaches to the assignment in the final product.