I like the idea using more short essay versus essay exam questions.
I used to grade the assignments as they were posted. Then this term a student complained that I graded her assignment before it was due. So, now I block time to grade and spend the extra time with my family.
I have developed rubrics, so I can easily apply the same consistency for all students. This helps me to assure that I am giving students good feedback and streamlines the process.
It is always good to take a portion of the students' assignments each day. This can assure that you have a specific time set aside, so you aren't trying to do it all at the last minute.
I tend to agree. It is important to focus o the entire paper to assure that grammar and punctuation usage is correct. This is something I stress in my rubrics. To me, grammar and punctuation are as important as the paper's content.
Wow, grading assignments ahead of their due date is really getting ahead of schedule. But it sounds like your block of time method will work best.
Currently, I teach at a university that creates at standard syllabus and task list so each student, regardless of the instructor, receives a standardized learning experience. Most assignments are discussion board task and individual projects requiring students to write. Since I usually teach the same courses each term and when I have the opportunity to teach a new subject, I take time to create good lectures so I can use them over again in upcoming courses. I may consider having students to underline the main points of their paper in the future.
This sounds like an excellent plan James. It's great to take the time to create good lectures that can be used semester after semester. And do try the underlining technique.
Since I teach in the student restaurant, most of my assessments are hands-on practicals. I have a detailed rubric for each student, and use that while they complete the task assigned to record feedback and scores. After watching 20 people open a bottle of wine, it's the only way to remember who did the job correctly!
This is a great point Carolyn. Our organizing techniques can help us be more fair in grading multiple students. Sometimes it really is hard to keep track of everything otherwise.
Yes. Rubrics are good. It makes it easier to grade, and the students know up-front what is expected from them because I post it for them to see before they submit their assignemnts.
As a criminal justice instructor, I usually try to assess my student knowledge through multiple choice exams. However, in my graduate courses I have been known to provide an essay exam. I found it very interesting and a helpful technique of asking the students to underline the important information. By doing this, it should allow me to grade the papers in a more timely manner for both the student and myself. I usually do try to provide an outline or PowerPoint presentation that discusses a great deal of the material that is covered in the exam. I have found this helps the students know what knowledge will be expected in order to complete the exam successfully.
Grading is time consuming but can be made simpler by allowing the students to cross grade
I utilize rubrics and will continue to do so. With a course that emphasizes writing, it is hard to get around written assignments, however, rubrics provide an easy way to streamline the grading process.
I don't get the option of greating the assignments. However, I think by setting up grading rubrics to use for each assignment I can streamline the process.
Indeed, cross grading is a great time saver and a learning experience for the students too.
Much of the information presented in this module I am already following. I do make use of a variety of testing methodologies and have found that creating exams that incorporate multiple choice, t/f, as well as short answer help in the grading process. I also do use essay questions, but only a couple within each exam. For the schools that I teach at that only use essay exams, I have no power to change the material as it is standarardized.
Tasha
I agree with many of the posts that grading rubrics are very helpful in streamlining the grading process and saving time. They are also posted for the students review in advance which helps them to aim for the highest possible grade and give them a better understanding of how assignments are graded.
Unfortunately my school sets up the classes using essay format for the majority of the assignments. I'm going to try asking the students to underline the key points. I think that is my only option given the format.
I also provide hints and examples on how to best complete assignments.
Further, I develop checklists tied to the rubrics to streamline my grading as well as to ensure I have addressed all areas of the objectives.
The checklists also provide a concrete way to provide feedback to students.
