What color to correct in?

Brendan · #1 07-02-2004, 10:07 PM

I now this sounds crazy but what do you correct in?And do you use a computer or written gradebook or both?
-Brendan

awaxler · #2 07-03-2004, 04:47 AM

Personally, I don't like red. Just my opinion, but I don't like seeing papers with all those red marks.

As for grade books...I haven't used a written grade book in years. My entire district uses a program called Power Grade. This systems saves countless hours. Plus it does a lot more than keeping grades...I take attandance, have my students personally info (phone, address etc.), prints up progress reports etc.

I think computerizing your grading system is an important time management strategy. Just think...the time you save with your computerized grading system, is time that can be used to improve your lessons.

Adam Waxler
www.teaching-teacher.com

clarnet73 · #3 07-03-2004, 06:26 AM

As far as colors to correct in, I agree with Adam... red can be scary. I've had teachers use green, but I've also seen some "fun" colors like pink and purple which somehow made it less frustrating to look at the corrections.

love2teach · #4 07-03-2004, 08:55 AM

I dont use red either and for the same reasons....I also refuse to grade in blue or black, I feel like it does not stand out to parents. I try to use green, pink, purple, etc....you can get pens in almost any color now!
I also have used the thin crayola markers...they work well!

I dont use a computer to do grade books, I cant be bothered, what if somehting happens to my comp or the softwear? There are just somethings that I need to have on paper! The same goes for my plan book...I know some teacers use their comp to plan.....I just need to write certian thigns down!

valindy · #5 07-03-2004, 09:07 AM

I use those thin markers too! I like to mix up the colors that I use. I also don't like black because it is too hard to see.

I have used those electronic grade books and I liked it because I could send home print-outs which the parents thought were much more "official." I find it faster and more reliable to use my old trusty pencil and paper method. I like not having it with me at all times, and I think it is much easier to record in.

AngelaS · #6 07-03-2004, 10:55 AM

I use red exclusively. It stands out quickly and makes it clear to parents and kids what I have written vs. what they have written (my kids often correct their own papers using crayons and other color pens). Red is the traditional color, and I think that some of us as teachers are kind of 'scarred' from seeing red marks on our papers as kids. However, a young child doesn't have those types of experiences yet. I think lots of corrections can be intimidating in any color, but for adults, red can be unnerving psychologically. I think it's more important to focus on what types of marks you are making on the paper than on the color of them. For example, I don't make big Xs by or circle wrong answers, I just draw a slash through the problem numbers. I also put all my stamps on using red ink, so the kids associate red with positive messages, as well. It's all personal preference, IMO.

I use a computer grading system because I can pull up a child's average at any point (such as when a parent calls) and it saves time at the end of the quarter.

Here are some more ideas about grading and papers:

Avoiding the Paper Trap

Brendan · #7 07-03-2004, 12:34 PM

Thanks for your opinions

I will use any color pen or marker except brown, black,purple, yellow and pink. I use a written gradebook becuase my computer could crash and sometimes I don't have a gradebook handy. I also used a computer gradebook ClassAction.

ChristyF · #8 07-03-2004, 03:15 PM

I use whatever color is closest. I only use red on their writing because that is the color that they are required to have. We use that color for proofing and that's it. I am required to have a "written" grade book. I use Excel and print it out for the grade book.

Christy

emccoy · #9 07-04-2004, 10:21 AM

I use whatever color happens to be available at the time, though I must admit, I prefer to use the traditional red pen. Parents can look at the paper immediately and know that it has been corrected. Since I teach math, I spend alot of time looking at the procedure the students' use and make my comments in red, then write the number of points the student earned for the problem. If it multiple choice where the answer is either right or wrong, I check correct answers and x wrong answers so that every problem has something next to it.

I love the electronic gradebook that our school uses. Grade Quick has many excellent features. I ocassionally worry about computer crashes, etc., so I backup frequently and keep a copy on the network at school, the hard drive at my desk, my computer at home, and a floppy disk copy. (OK, maybe paranoid is a better word

) But I find not having a traditional gradebook a wonderful thing.

kpa1b2 · #10 07-04-2004, 02:10 PM

I'm required to use my computer to write lesson plans, we just email the plans. I have to have a hard copy so I print my plans out. I also use the comp for my gradebook. I keep it on a floppy so that I have it with me at all times. Next year the report cards will be on the comp to.

It's just getting used to using the computer!