This term’s first big batch of grading — essays for my Canadian politics course — is due no later than Monday evening. Please wish me fortitude in getting through the last three dozen.
I believe basically everyone finds grading stressful and tedious. It invalidates my ordinary procrastination flowchart, since it is always possible to devote time to long-term projects or self-care activities instead of reminding people that essays need to have a thesis, or tabulating grades in Excel and U of T’s poorly implemented online portal.
Author: Milan
In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford.
Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here.
View all posts by Milan
Keep your chin up. I’m sure your students will appreciate your dedication!
♡
Thank you.
I put a lot of effort into helping students learn to write. Up to a week before a paper is due I will look at drafts and provide comments, including in 20-60 minute in-person meetings.
I distribute essay writing tips, write detailed comments on all papers I grade, and meet afterwards with any students who want to discuss them.
I’m down to 14 papers in 2 topics: probably 7-9 more hours of work. Then I need to match them all with students in my grade database, check the average, deal with late marks and all the accomodation letters, and upload them to Blackboard.
I’m done with the grading, but still have hours of administrative work calculating late marks, dealing with extensions and accommodations, and posting the grades.
I should just be able to finish before running off to return these papers and invigilate a midterm: yielding a new batch of grading.