Grading labs: A faster method using pre-printed return address labels.

Grading tends to be the biggest time consuming task for teachers. For those teachers who want students to complete lab write-ups that truly reflect discover and learning, providing feedback on labs can be an even more daunting task. This year I started using a system that has significantly sped up grading the mechanics of the lab, allowing me to spend more time on their analysis. I use address labels with seven check boxes to allow me to quickly look over a lab to see what parts are missing. Then I’m able to go in and make more detailed comments about the sections I want to focus on.

I use Modeling Instruction (this is an older site, AMTA will be launching an updated site in the next week or so) in my class, which focuses on analyzing data to develop models and reach conclusions. In most labs students plot data to look for trends, then develop the equation of the line/curve. As you can see above, my check list focuses on their data organization and plotting skills. Again, this frees me up to spend my time on their analysis and conclusions.

As I grade, I check off each item that I see completed, and can circle items the student hasn’t included (e.g. those dreaded missing units). Then I peel off the label and stick in on their report. The label is only an abbreviation, and needs to be backed up with more detailed expectations for the check list items. I provide students with a longer “Lab grading guidelines” page that they can refer to. My latest version is shown below:

Copies of Word documents for both of these can be found here (both are .docx format):

• Address labels (30 labels on a standard 8.5×11″ sheet).
• Lab grading guidelines.