I think what I hate about grading is the fact that students get their grades and my comments in print rather than in person. It would be so much better if I could meet with the students and talk about their paper/grade. That way they can hear more detailed comments in a friendly manner. I think I can better express my willingness to help and offer more suggestions in person than I can in print.
Imagine you're the student. Doesn't it seem that reading comments on your work is impersonal? I would happily trade class time for personal feedback on papers. I just need to figure out how to do it.
Posted by Tim at July 9, 2004 02:41 PMI had a comp sci prof who would actually require that we met with him at some point after a big project of paper. He would grade and return them, but we'd have to wait a week before talking to him about the paper. He was a very tough grader and direct with his criticism, which was good, but after reviewing his comments and thinking about it for a week and then talking to him most of us found that the post-grading sessions with him were the most useful part of the class...I also had a Lit prof who would include 1 full page of comments and suggestions including the positive and negative aspects of each paper we turned in. As a teacher now, I find myself using a combination of these methods and it seems to work pretty well...
Posted by: btm at July 15, 2004 02:48 AMI once had a Plato class where we were required to read the first draft of our papers in class and get direct comments from the prof. during the reading. Fortunately, it was only a draft and weren't graded on it, but it was helpful. Sorta like going to the dentist...in public.
Posted by: tim at July 15, 2004 10:02 AMI think meeting with students is a terrific idea. Too often comments are misunderstood or the teacher just doesn't have the time to express everything on paper. You can do it! Make it a requirement. Many teachers I know will make an announcement about being available to discuss their papers but that just isn't the same. That always excludes the shy or unsure student.
Posted by: Mom at July 21, 2004 07:36 AM