01 Jan
Green Ink, Discussions, Visuals & Thanks
Posted in General, Grading, Organization, Teachers, Teaching Tips on 01.01.10
It’s New Year’s, and I suppose its time to disclose my teacher resolutions for the year.
- I have such a hard time keeping my mouth shut during class discussions, and I know I would be a better teacher if I allowed students to participate more as I participate less. Hence, I resolve to use the World Cafe approach to discussions at least once every other week. (I’ve written about this method several times. For more information, type “World Cafe discussion” in the search box on the right.)
- For years I have heard teachers, parents, and students declare that red ink is upsetting to students. I have never really believed there was much validity behind this claim, but just in case these people are right, I’m going to switch to another color this year. I’m giving up my favorite red Flairs and grading in green ink. Will green ink really make a difference? I am inclined to think it will make little difference or I would have changed long ago, but I’m going to give it a try.
- I have always scoffed at the idea that English teachers need to teach visual literacy. Who needs any special talent or skill to understand a photo, cartoon, or video? Several incidents recently, however, persuaded me that some of my students might benefit from more discussion of visuals. This year I’m going to include more opportunities for students to study and discuss visuals, particularly photos and editorial cartoons.
- Finally, although I generally do a good job of recognizing and thanking good students, this year I resolve to write at least three notes per week to students, parents, or former students.
That’s it! Four resolutions.
Teaching resolutions are so much easier than personal resolutions.
At least teaching resolutions don’t revolve around losing weight!
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Edie Parrott
2 comments on this topic
1. January - 10:59 am
I never used red ink in all my 34 years. I mostly used purple but often green as well. Almost every year I did get comments about it being nice not to see that red all over the papers. So, I am all for your resolution! I also like the 3 thank yous a week. A great idea! Have a great day!
1. January - 12:08 pm
Margaret, if YOU think it’s a good idea, I know it must make a difference! Purple? I’m not sure I can go that far, but I suppose anything will be better than my red ink. Thanks for commenting, Margaret.
1. January - 3:53 pm
I remember as a student that I was less upset with red ink than what was written in red. The words, “Great job!” scrawled in crimson didn’t bother me. The way I see it red ink is just the color used to deliver a message. Is it worse if, “27% F” is in green ink?
As for color preference, I look for purple pens because purple is my favorite color and because it stands out. Black or blue isn’t enough of a contrast from black pen, printed paper, or pencil.
1. January - 4:04 pm
Another “purple” person! Thanks for commenting, Theresa. I agree about the lack of contrast with black and blue. I know several teachers who grade essays in pencil, and I just don’t understand. As a student, I’m afraid I would miss some of the comments because they blend in with the student text. Plus, pencil fades so quickly.
1. January - 10:14 pm
Eh.
I vote for red.
I haven’t used a red pen in six months.
1. January - 11:40 pm
Oh, Harriett, I know that even though you brag about how fun retirement is, you really miss pulling out that red pen and grading those essays!
3. January - 4:04 pm
Uh, I don’t miss grading essays. Not. One. Bit.
I do miss my pens and watching the ink slowly drain out onto those crisp white pages of worthless text.
The good old days.
Only not.