Problem Solving Rubric—Elementary

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

	4	3	2	1
Anticipating Problems	I think ahead about problems I might have. I think of ways to avoid problems.	I usually think ahead about problems I might have. I try to think of ways to avoid problems.	With help, I can tell what problems I might have. I sometimes try to think of ways to avoid problems.	I have a hard time knowing what problems I might have. I do not think of ways to avoid problems.
Analyzing Problems	I take a lot of time to think about a problem before I try to solve it. I use problem solving tools when I solve problems, even outside of school.	I think about a problem before I start solving it.	If someone reminds me, I think about a problem before I solve it.	I usually just start solving a problem without thinking about it.
Using Strategies	I know several strategies for solving problems, such as making models and diagrams. I can choose a good strategy.	I use some of the strategies I learned to solve problems.	If someone reminds me, I use a strategy I learned to solve problems. I usually try to solve problems using trial and error. I usually need help thinking of a strategy.	I do not use the strategies I learned to solve problems.
Finding Information	When I have a problem, I can separate the important information from the unimportant information. I know when I need more information to solve a problem, and I have several strategies to find what I need.	I can tell the difference between important and unimportant information when I solve a problem. I get more information when I need it.	I sometimes get confused about what information is important when I solve a problem. If someone helps me, I get more information when I need it.	I often focus on unimportant information when I solve a problem. I rarely know when I need to get more information.
Dealing with Uncertainty	I like working on problems without simple answers.	I can work on problems without simple answers.	With help, I can work on problems without simple answers, but I sometimes get frustrated and do not want to continue.	I often get frustrated and refuse to work on problems without simple answers.
Reflecting on Processes	I reflect on how I worked on a problem, and I learn from my failures and my successes. I use what I learn in future problems.	I reflect on how I worked on a problem. I usually use what I learn in future problems.	With guidance, I reflect on my problem solving processes. I sometimes make the same mistakes twice.	I rarely reflect on my problem solving processes. I often make the same kinds of mistakes over and over.
Communicating Solutions	I thoroughly describe my solution to a problem and thoroughly explain how I solved a problem.	I describe my solution to a problem and can explain how I solved it.	I try to describe my solution to a problem and partly explain how I solved it.	I cannot describe my solution to the problem, and I cannot explain what I did when I tried to solve it.