Quantitative Literacy Rubric

The ability to interpret quantitative information, apply appropriate mathematical methods to solve quantitative problems and communicate solutions in the appropriate context.

Description

Quantitative Literacy enables us to solve problems with math. It starts with a basic ability to work accurately and meaningfully with numbers and variables. From this follows a deeper understanding of logic and reason that allows us to identify the best quantitative approach to problems, solve them, and communicate how those solutions are reached. Quantitative Literacy includes the ability to interpret quantitative information produced by yourself or others, and recognizing and evaluating the power, the limitations, and the ethical and social implications of quantitative reasoning.

PDF

A traditional rubric PDF for Quantitative Literacy can be found here

Identify Opportunity

Given a situation, identifies the most appropriate solution method from multiple possibilities based on the particulars of the situation. Applies a quantitative approach where it may not be immediately obvious that a quantitative method is applicable. Transfers methods correctly to a different context.

Given a situation, identifies the problem, categorizes the problem by type, selects an appropriate method, and can explain why that method is an appropriate one for that situation.

Given a situation or problem, categorizes the problem by type and selects an expected method.

When told what the problem type or category is for a given situation, selects an expected method.

When told what the problem type or category is for a given situation, does not select an expected method.

Apply and Solve

Demonstrates a deeper understanding of the problem solving process. Upon arriving at the correct solution, provides context for both the answer and the process used to arrive at the solution to confirm this.

Follows a formula or heuristic with no mistakes. Solution is mathematically correct and provides context for the answer to confirm this. Right formula, right number, right answer.

Follows a formula or heuristic with no mistakes. Solution is mathematically correct (meaning it uses the right formula with the right numbers) but does not provide context or “work” for the answer to confirm this. This means that the actual answer is incorrect due to a computation error. Right numbers and right formula, but messed up the computation.

Follows a formula or heuristic with only minor mistakes. Solution is not mathematically correct. Following the formula, enters the wrong numbers.

Does not demonstrate that they applied a formula or heuristic. Does not confirm that the solution is correct. Does not provide context for the answer. Does not follow formula

Communicate

Explains each step in a problem solving process without error as well as providing additional insight into why other methods to arrive at the same solution may or may not be viable.

Explains each step in a problem solving process without error.

Explains some but not all steps in a problem solving process without understanding or properly explaining a few minor details.

Explains some but not all steps in a problem solving process without understanding or properly explaining one or more significant details.

Does not explain why the steps taken when solving a particular problem actually works.

Interpret

Explains the meaning of quantitative information as it relates to a problem or situation independent of a computational process as well as providing additional insight into other steps or processes to analyze the underlying problem further.

Explains the meaning of quantitative information in context, as it relates to a problem or situation independent of a computational process.

When explaining the meaning of quantitative information, some details are missing, vague, in error, or explanation lacks context.

When explaining the meaning of  quantitative information, significant details are missing, vague, or in error.

Does not explain the meaning of quantitative information within the context of a problem.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES IN THE HUMAN CONTEXT

Quantitative solutions are seen as intersecting with broader human questions and problems. Assesses both strengths and weaknesses when applying quantitative reasoning to broader human questions and makes choices accordingly. Articulates the ethical implications and potential biases of applying a quantitative approach to a particular situation.

Explains the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative approaches, asks questions that further consider the intersection between quantitative solutions and broader human contexts, and recognizes that there could be ethical implications or biases depending on how and why a solution is applied.

Recognizes that because quantitative thinking is used to address human questions and problems, there are strengths and weaknesses to quantitative approaches and possible ethical implications and biases.

Understands that numbers and quantitative solutions are used to address broader human questions and actual life problems. Does not explain why that matters.

Numbers and quantitative solutions exist in a vacuum disconnected from actual life problems.