The Interdisciplinary
Journal of
Problem-based Learning
Rubric for Theory/Review MS
(9/13/07 version)
Manuscript number:
Notes to reviewers: Please do not include any ID on this rubric, as it will be viewable, as submitted, to the author. You may make
notes on the manuscript itself, especially to point out how the paper can be improved. Please mark the rubric according to the
following rating scale:
4 = Strongly agree; 3 = Agree; 2 = Disagree; 1 = Strongly disagree
In addition, we ask you to give us your recommendation at the bottom of this page as to the suitability of this manuscript
for publication in the IJPBL. Thank you for taking time to give this manuscript a thorough, careful review. This rubric should be
uploaded with your review using the link provided on your invitation email.
Description and Definition of Problem
4
3
2
1
Does the manuscript clearly state and explain the problem or issue that is addressed by
the review?
Are the contents of the reviewed articles adequately described, including what is
addressed and what is missing?
Is the literature evaluated with special attention given to its significance and
applicability to PBL pedagogy?
Are appropriate references cited?
Yes
No
Comments:
Innovation
4
Does the manuscript, either through the nature of the problem or the discussion of the
results, go beyond a single discipline or domain?
Does the manuscript address the applicability of the problem and results to PBL
pedagogy in general?
Comments:
3
2
1
4
Interpretation:
3
2
Are the conclusions drawn by the authors supported by the discussion and evaluation of the
reviewed articles?
Does the manuscript link the suggested practice or materials to existing, but similar, practices
or materials?
Comments:
Style:
Has the manuscript been carefully edited for spelling and grammar?
Yes
No
Is the manuscript written in the active voice, intellectually engaging, and professionally
appropriate?
Yes
No
Are the references cited in the manuscript and listed in the reference section based on the
current style manual of the American Psychological Association (APA)?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Is the content of the manuscript appropriate for the IJPBL?
Yes
No
To your knowledge, have substantial portions of this manuscript been published previously?
Yes
No
Clarity:
Is the manuscript easy to read and understand, especially by instructors from disciplines
other than the author’s?
Abstract:
Does the manuscript include an abstract of approximately 125 words that the reader can
quickly scan to determine the content?
Appropriateness:
Comments:
Recommendation:
Acceptable with minor revisions
Acceptable with major revisions
Not acceptable
1
Please provide additional comments or suggestions on this sheet or a separate page as needed.