# Grading/Feedback ## To start - Check in - how is grading going if it's started? What are you concerned about if not? ## Quick runthrough of the Elements of responding to writing ### Define grading criteria (Reread the prompt!) - Identify key elements you're looking for (i.e.,: arguable thesis? analyzing evidence? using sources? page length?) - share examples from 148/178 - Focus on the fundamental aspects of a successful argument: does it make sense? is it supported with evidence? - Expos elements: thesis; structure; evidence & analysis; sources; style ### Marginal Comments - Comment on *patterns* - representative strengths and weaknesses (mark only once or twice) (often good to mark the best instance of key elements--e.g., analysis, transition sentences--in addition to instances that need improvement; gives students a sense of what they should be doing more of) - Write in complete sentences - Ask questions - Make suggestions for improvement (e.g., in your next paper...) - Focus on the key elements (don't comment on everything!), & connect your comments back to the prompt's expectations ### Writing the end comment - Restate the paper's main point - Address strengths, connecting to key elements from prompt - Address areas for improvement (ditto) - focus on most important problems first (i.e., thesis, evidence, structure) - give specific examples - Focus on 3-4 major takeaways - Connect your end comment back to the patterns in your marginal comments ### Grading systematically - Skim through all papers *first* - identify main areas of strength / weakness; there will often be patterns (keep a comment bank) - Keep the key elements from the prompt in mind as grading criteria; comment before you grade - Group the stack into upper- and lower-half grades - typically based on key elements (clear argument? good analysis?) - Make finer distinctions (good analysis but fuzzy structure? strong thesis, but not developed through close analysis?) - These are just suggestions - Will take practice / several (at least) grading cycles to find what system works best for you ## Grading Exercise - Read essay; identify 3 major points you would want to comment on; assign a grade