---
# System prepended metadata

title: Grading/Feedback

---

# 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

