Homework assignments are meant to be a review of the current chapter and indicate the student's understanding of the chapter materials. In the future I intend to develop a series of ten to fifteen short answer questions which I will be able to review and grade fairly quickly. This will give me a good sense of the student's comprehension of the chapter material, and also point out the areas of the chapter which are not being well understood and where I may need to review and spend more time.
Some of the student's take-home work is redundant. Unless the point is an especially important one, requiring repetiveness, I'll perform some simplifying rewrites to make both the student's and the instructor's tasks more focused.
Jennifer, Sounds like you have developed an excellent home grown system. Systems like these can really save you time. With more time, you can focus on the things that really matter - like making a greater educational impact in the classroom or in office hours.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will try to use a grading system that will allow me to spot check 10 out of 50 questions.
I found that using an online grade book will streamline my grading in turn it will be a great way to also save time.
We use an overlay (or bubble sheet). Almost all of our tests are True/False and multiple choice, we use a hole punch to punch out the letter for the correct answer. Then all the instructor has to do is lay it over the students answer sheet if the correct answer isn’t marked it shows through the hole. It takes almost no time to grade the entire classes tests.
Another instructor recently showed me how to create my final exam online, which graded the exam as well. I plan to administer all of my tests and quizzes this way. This tool saves time for me and lets the students exactly what they scored and which answers are incorrect.
I am going to really try to use the online tools that my publisher provides. I already use the instructor materials but I have not ventured into the student resources yet and I really want to try that!
Steve, Interesting idea. Sometimes, timing makes or breaks your performance. Sounds like this is the case for your exams.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will definitely use the scantron method from here on out for exams. For written assignments I will use the method of letting the students grade each others papers in class while we discuss the answers.
Having an electronic grade book is a must for todays instructors have been using ENGRADE a free service that lets you post test and assignments on line .The test are automatically graded and the scores added to your grade book ready for the students to access on the web using their assigned codes. Engrade allows you to give written test, audio test, even video assignments.
Another tool I use is assigning students to do training on free websites the students have to complete the assignment take a test and score above 80% to be able to print out a certificate. The student brings the certificate to class gives it to the instructor .This lets me know the student has mastered the basics of the assignments not grading on my part is necessary.
In order to streamline the grading process I will start my tests earlier in the school day.The students and I should be more focused.Another positive benefit is that test grading will flow better if I am not racing to get the tests graded just before class ends.
Steven, Yes, this is a great method for pre-set exams. Just goes to show you that you can still make things more efficient in a structured environment.
Dr. Melissa Read
all of or tests have a answer key that must be followed but having them highlight the high points on their labs will be very useful when it comes time to grading.
When grading certain papers I look for key words
which makes it easier but after this module I am goin to foloow certain steps to streamline my grading time.
All of our tests are pre-set and we have a key that must be followed. I do like the idea of highlighting key areas, this could be of assistance when grading my students lab assignments, I will give it a try.
I believe you should grade as you go when possible and chech students progress on a regular basis as this will lessen the time you spend grading
TERESITA, Yes, interestingly when we streamline grading, we are often able to assess our students more frequently. That's to everyone's advantage.
Dr. Melissa Read
I already use MC and T/F as much as possible, especially with bigger classes. Sometimes a short answer/ brief essay style is okay for smaller, more intimate classes. I will use the short answer/term answer more...I have got some good ideas from this module in that particular area.
It is important to streamline the grading process in order to save time and be able to do periodic assessments of te students.
