Wednesday, 12 January 2011

Grading: Light at the end of the tunnel

Up to my eyes

Forgive me Father, haven't blogged since before Christmas... so a return to the confessional

Have been a bit overwhelmed with the marking - around 200 each of 2,000 word assignments over 3 pieces of work. I'm now nearing the end and dare break off to blog. So what do I deduce from the process.
  • First of all, I have written 'please used Harvard Referencing' about 150 times.
  • I have also written 'develop your academic language' and 'use theories and models to substantiate these statements' a lot as well. Also 'please make sure you answer the question'
  • I have so far referred 4 students for plagiarism but this is likely to rise - now I have got my 'eye in' it's remarkably easy to spot - was pleasantly surprised when my suspicions were vindicated by Turnitin. Had a good session with GW and now understand the difference between misconduct and poor academic practice. This is an art!
  • The first 10 or so of each assignment are kind of tricky, but then it gets a lot easier and quicker. I sometimes worry about thoroughness and balance.
  • I think the home students on the module with lots of international students tended to shine by comparison and do better than they really deserve.
  • Sometimes it's tricky to say something positive...
  • There were some good pieces, and they are a joy.
Anticipation

The students are eagerly awaiting their grades and keep accosting me in the corridors. It's frustrating trying to get the second marking and photocopying done - it drags out the process by days.

Now to go and do some Hail Marys

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