grading papers?

Question

I am a first year teacher and I need help! The first term is over next week, and I need help with time management. I have students turning in papers this week, along with a test they also have this week. Any suggestions on how high school teachers should have better time management with grading and preparing for curriuclum?

Answer 1

First year teachers are expected to learn a lot in the first year. We learn by mistakes. I had the same problem when I was a new teacher. Set a deadline two weeks before the test for the papers, so you can do a good job grading the papers and a good job preparing the test.
A principal I had many a year ago said that first year teachers have all their mistakes forgiven when they show up as a second year teacher.

You'll learn time management while you work. Just don't overload yourself with papers and exams to grade in the same week again.
Also, please, set deadlines and let students know that their work is dead if they try to pass it in after the line.

Answer 2

24 yrs teaching experience

You have some great answers already - having everything due at the same time is a real problem.

I would add: give work-in-progress grades on term papers. Don't make the final paper the entire grade. Grade the process, as well as the product.

Now, put on some coffee, order a pizza, unplug the TV and phone, and get going on those papers! All is forgiven. You learned a cheap lesson.

Smile!

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Try to have your papers due prior to the test. Then you can grade the papers and then give the test. This will stagger things just enough for you to get everything accomplished. Sometimes you need to just plan to make things work for your schedule. Understand what you need to be able to grade, and how long. At this point you have a pretty good idea. Work on writing your syllabus so that it works for you.

Answer 4

Don't grade everything. Some stuff is just practice, others are more important. Especially as an English teacher, there is going to be way too much for you to grade EVERY little thing.

Also, have the kids trade papers and grade them when its appropriate.

Answer 5

Students learn more by "hands-on activities." Grade by actions instead of paperwork. This gives you and your students more time to prepare for important, upcoming tests.

Answer 6

Set a deadline and teach h.s. students the meaning of responsibility. Stick to that deadline and mean it.
THAT teaches them and give you time to CORRECTLY and FAIRLY assess student work