Preparing for Spring Break: Grading Tests Before Vacation

In summary, the conversation is about a teacher who has an upcoming vacation but needs to grade 20 tests before their next class. They are struggling to find motivation and consider using a Tesla coil to wake them up. They then decide to go to Disney World and joke about borrowing money or getting an educational grant. The conversation ends with a humorous discussion about a faculty member who had to read a dissertation on a nice day and others suggesting alternative ways to prioritize and enjoy the weather.
  • #1
Chi Meson
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It's Thursday. Tomorrow is the first day of an 11-day vacation. Right now I have my planning period, which is supposed to be used for grading tests, etc.

I have about 20 tests to grade.

I'm looking at them right now.

They need to be done before my next class, which starts in about 80 minutes.


...


...


I can't do it. I can't bear to look at them.

It feels like the 26th mile of a marathon; there's .2 to go, and I want to quit.

Let's see if the Tesla coil wakes me up a bit...
 
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  • #2
You should go to Disney World!

:)

<I know, I'm so predictable!>

Zz.
 
  • #3
Chi Meson said:
It's Thursday. Tomorrow is the first day of an 11-day vacation. Right now I have my planning period, which is supposed to be used for grading tests, etc.

I have about 20 tests to grade.

I'm looking at them right now.

They need to be done before my next class, which starts in about 80 minutes.


...


...


I can't do it. I can't bear to look at them.

It feels like the 26th mile of a marathon; there's .2 to go, and I want to quit.

Let's see if the Tesla coil wakes me up a bit...
Ah - the Joy and Satisfaction of Teacherhood! :biggrin:
 
  • #4
The tesla coil worked. It's all done. I have a free and clear vactaion. Woo hoo!

Disney World, Here I come!

Uh, can I borrow a couple of thousand dollars?
 
  • #5
Chi Meson said:
Disney World, Here I come!

Uh, can I borrow a couple of thousand dollars?
Why not try for an educational grant? :biggrin:
 
  • #6
Chi Meson said:
The tesla coil worked. It's all done. I have a free and clear vactaion. Woo hoo!
So, you just gave them all As, huh? :biggrin: One of the other faculty here was lamenting that he had a dissertation to read on the first warm, sunny day we had this week. He wanted to go out playing golf. The rest of us told him he really needs to get his priorities straight...the dissertation defense should have been rescheduled. :rolleyes: We had other suggestions, such as the student giving the defense should carry his golf bag and read the dissertation aloud, or he should just scrunch up the pages and use them for putting practice.
 

1. How can I efficiently grade tests before going on spring break?

One efficient way to grade tests before spring break is to set aside a specific amount of time each day to grade a certain number of tests. This will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, you can use a rubric or grading key to speed up the grading process and make it more consistent.

2. Should I grade tests before or after spring break?

It is recommended to grade tests before going on spring break. This will allow you to provide timely feedback to your students and address any concerns or questions before they leave for vacation. Grading after spring break may result in a delay in providing feedback and may also disrupt the flow of the curriculum.

3. How can I ensure fairness and accuracy in grading tests before vacation?

To ensure fairness and accuracy in grading tests, it is important to create a clear rubric or grading key beforehand. This will help you stay consistent in your grading and ensure that all students are being evaluated on the same criteria. It is also important to take your time and avoid rushing through the grading process.

4. Can I have students help grade tests before spring break?

While it may seem tempting to have students help grade tests to save time, it is not recommended. Grading is an important responsibility and should be done by the teacher to ensure consistency and fairness. However, you can involve students in the grading process by having them self-assess their tests or peer-assess each other's tests using a rubric.

5. What should I do if I can't finish grading all the tests before spring break?

If you are unable to finish grading all the tests before spring break, it is important to communicate with your students and their parents. Let them know when they can expect to receive their grades and provide them with an estimated timeline for feedback. You can also consider adjusting your lesson plans after spring break to allow time for reviewing the tests and providing feedback.

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