Online Course Grading
All of my courses are taught online in a controlled environment. Grading of assignments are more of an issue of proper time management and articulating of assignment objectives so that students stay on track. A level of self discipline is required to stay on top of student grading so that you don’t get behind.
One of the things that have really helped me is using a grading rubric for each of the assignments and making the students aware of this rubric. This has significantly helped me manage the amount of time I spend grading each assignment.
I agree. It is important to have a large calendar, so you can enter data into it. Sometimes I have a great deal of information to keep myself focused and on-track.
That is important, and I don't think a computer calendar will allow this. I still like to have a calendar and a to do list close at hand where I can pick it up, sit down and review it, and put in the future planning.
Sometimes, it's the bigger the better when it comes to calendar size. Some people really need to see a large view of all of their activities to feel like they have everything under control and accounted for.
I use my calender as well but now I have a bigger calender that will alow me to jot down and give a breif description of what my task really needs
I find that when I grade a portion of an assignment at a time - especially essay exams - I am able to grade more efficiently. Even if I have to get all the grading done at once, focusing on just a single essay question at a time and then moving on helps me make quick apples-to-apples comparisons.
Teaching on-line requires that I set a particular time limit about when to get the assignments graded. I noticed that one of the suggestions is to grade at least a portion of the assignments each day. I also like to do this because it can be less overwhelming and less stressful. It is important for me to provide consistent feedback, so this is another way to allow the same amount of time for each student.
Amy, I'm glad you found my suggestions helpful. I have learned many good ideas, especially when it comes to time/stress management, from other online teachers!
Best to you,
Susan
Susan,
I too teach online. I really like your idea about dividing your classes into thirds. That is a great idea!! I also you use a fairly detailed grading rubric too! That does really help!
Thanks for the good idea!
Amy
Like you and Julie, I also teach online. I've found that writing down my grading deadlines helps, as well as dividing my grading load into thirds and grading 1/3 of my students each day over three days. Breaking it down makes it more manageable for me. In addition, I use a fairly detailed grading rubric that provides good feedback to my students while saving me grading time.
Yes, I also do my teaching online. I find that it is important for me to keep feedback turn-around dates on my calendar so that I can appropriately respond to students with good feedback without stressing myself out! :)
