Build the answer key first
Before you open the first paper, write the answer key and mark the point value of each question. Decide in advance how you will treat partial credit, so the first paper and the last paper are graded the same way. Note any question with more than one acceptable answer on the key itself.
Count wrong answers, not right ones
On a test where most students do well, counting wrong answers is quicker. Mark each error, count the marks, and write that number at the top of the page. The grading chart gives the score for every number of wrong answers, so you read the percent instead of calculating it.
For example, on a 25-question test the chart shows 96% for one wrong, 92% for two wrong and 88% for three wrong.
Use a chart for your test length
Choose the number of questions and print the chart for that test. Keep the printout beside the stack of papers. If your school uses its own letter cutoffs, edit the letter scale before printing so the chart matches your policy.
Handle partial credit with half points
When a question can earn half credit, count that question as half a wrong answer. On a 20-question test, each question is worth 5 percentage points, so 2.5 wrong answers means 17.5 right, and 17.5 ÷ 20 = 87.5%. Look up the 2.5 row in the chart instead of dividing. Use half points only when your grading policy gives half credit.
Record and double-check
Write the score on the paper and in your gradebook in the same step. Then spot-check a few papers by recounting the wrong answers, especially those near a letter cutoff, where one miscounted mark changes the grade.
A chart removes the division, but it does not remove counting errors, so keep that check.
- Recount papers that fall just below a cutoff.
- Check that the number of questions on the chart matches the test.
- Keep the key with the stack so late papers are graded the same way.
Return feedback quickly
Students learn most when they see results while the material is fresh. Return papers with the score and the question numbers missed, and tell the class which questions had the most errors so you can review them together.
Have a correction or a suggestion? Tell the studio.