Dr. Melissa Read

Good point Sandra -- and during this type of activity, students are tasked with focusing on the correct answers. In addition to being a time saver, student grading can also serve as a learning experience.

This sounds like a great first step Sandra. I know how hard it is to minimize interactions when students and administrators are continuously stopping by your office. Sometimes, it can be helpful to provide people with a visual cue that lets them know you are busy. For example, a closed door is a good sign that someone is busy. Alternatively, if you are working in a cube, a sign that says “Door is Closed” can be equally effective.

Sharlette, I think you bring up a good point. Sometimes we have to let go. Understanding this and setting reasonable expectations of what we can and cannot do is a good way to cope with stress. There are only so many hours in the day and (to your previous point) we do not have clones to help us with all the tasks that we don't have time to finish.

Interesting points Sharlette and I agree. It is easy to prioritize student needs over the things we need for ourselves – especially when students present their needs with such a sense of urgency. But it's important to note that doing things for ourselves can be what keeps us going. When our needs are met, we are in the best position to help others.

Richard, I imagine that this does dramatically reduce exam prep and grading time. It is interesting to think about how much time you could save if you used a computer to both generate and electronically grade exams. This could be one way to take your already streamlined process to the next level.

Richard, It sounds like you have two very different methods for coping with stress, depending on the situation and environment. This is important. There are some environments in which certain coping mechanisms work better than others. The workplace is a great example. The workplace is no place for a five mile run but it's a great place for deep and purposeful breathing. When you learn to effectively utilize more than one coping mechanism, you gain the ability to use them interchangeably to deal with stress across multiple environments.

Tina, I am glad that you mentioned computerized ‘to do' lists. Keeping track of tasks with your computer can work great. You can set your computer up to remind you to complete certain tasks at certain points in time. As instructors, it is always important to leverage the technology that we have access to. If you have access to software that can help you keep track of your tasks, why not put it to use and make it work for you.

Tina, You bring up an important point. When grading becomes too time consuming and difficult for us, it can at times impair our ability to assess our students. Simplifying the grading process can actually benefit our students by giving us the time to assess them more carefully.

Paul, I am glad that you mention the development of performance criteria for students. Developing performance criteria can do so much more than just save time. By clearly identifying the objectives that students must meet, you can help them reach their educational goals. Performance criteria can also contribute to and support fair and unbiased grading practices.

Paul, Looking at your “to do” list on a daily basis is a great habit. Many people are perfectly capable of writing out a “to do” list. After their list is written out, however, they never look at it again. By taking a look at your tasks every morning, you remind yourself of everything that needs to be accomplished. If nothing else, your list probably serves as an excellent memory aid for you.