Classroom Management – Helping Teachers Grow

I have the hardest time getting things graded.  I understand the value of prompt feedback, and I work that into my routine by letting students check their own paper (Gasp!) before turning it in.  They don’t grade those papers.  They simply check to see how they did.  So they get their immediate feedback.

But turning these papers into grades in the gradebook- ugh!  That takes me forever!  There are always a dozen other more pressing things that need to be done first.  Then, when I finally get to the papers, I always run across one or two that have no name on them.

Typically, I’m organized enough to know from which class the offending paper came, but even then, that paper might go several more weeks without being claimed.  That paper might just end up tossed aside with no student claiming it!

This ever happen to you?

Here’s a little trick that prevents this from happening every time.  Solid gold this tip is!  Gold, I tell ya!

When students are to turn in anything, have them give it directly to you.  Have them put it in your hands, no matter where you are in the room.  Then, when you get a paper, make sure it has a name.  If it doesn’t, tell that student before they even sit back down.

Gold.  Prevents 100% of the “no name” paper problem  100% every time!

Isn’t that what we’re looking for here?  Solutions to those common problems that keep us from being as efficient and effective in the classroom?

Gold.  Try it next time!

You’ll see.

Darren B.