After my rant the other day on grading papers, I thought I’d actually give some helpful advice on how to grade papers.
Grade in a pleasant place, free from distraction. I like to take the morning off and grade sitting on my couch sipping coffee or alone at a laid-back cafe. I do not like to grade in my office, on Saturdays at home, in meetings, or anywhere else. Why? Because even one, tiny distraction will force me to re-read at least part of the paper, which will make it take longer and be more frustrating. Additionally, if you make grading a semi-pleasant thing to do, it won’t be quite as painful.
