1. After reading Elbow's article on portfolio style grading, I really want to try and implement that in my classroom in the Spring. I like his idea of giving the students a contract so they focus less on writing for and to their instructor, and more on writing for themselves. However, are there any benefits of paper by paper grading that I am missing besides students being able to track their progress more completely?
2. What did you all think of Daiker's idea that we should praise students more in their essays? I am a big advocate of this but sometimes I feel as if I may go a bit overboard in praise. Daiker, however, does not seem to think there is such a thing as "too much" praise as long as it is coupled with critique. How do we find the balance in our feedback as instructors?
- Emily
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteIn reply to question 1: I can't speak with authority, but from my experience--particularly in classes where I've doubted my abilities--paper-by-paper grading helped me set goals for myself and better gauge my performance. Also, if students are significantly under-performing and their ability to pass the class is in question, isn't it ethical to clue them in early, especially at institution's where a course withdraw option exists? I love the idea of grading to a portfolio because it holds students accountable for the entire term but I can also see it becoming a great source of anxiety for grade-driven students and a source of resentment for others.
All the best,
Tom