Podcast #21: The Unbearable Importance of Grading

I have a confession: I'd rather scrub floors than grade papers. And, when I first started teaching college, my house would be spotless before I would sit down to tackle the stack of papers taunting me on my desk.

Today, Jason and I talk about a commentary, The Unbearable Importance of Grading, by Jay Parini from the February 15, 2008 edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education. Mr. Parini advocates using grading papers as a teaching opportunity.

During the podcast, Jason and I discuss using rubrics. Many professors dismiss rubrics because they are so widely used in K-12. However, smart professors see the value in using them. Here are some links for further exploration. Although many use examples from K-12, they are easily translated to college level assignments. Also, check with instructors in your Writing Program for assistance in creating rubrics. It is my understanding that most instructors in Writing and Composition Programs use rubrics.

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/assess.html

http://web.archive.org/web/20050401085518/http:/www.aahe.org/assessment/web.htm#Rubrics