How should students turn in their assignments?

Question

Every year I have the same problem when it comes to having students turn in their homework or classwork. I put it aside and I either forget to grade it or I lose it. I know I am a bit disorganized, but obviously I am trying. Can anyone offer any suggestions? I already used the color coding method a folder for each day of the week, that did not work.

Answer 1

When you collect a student's assignments, try putting them in folders that way, you don't lose them.

Keep the folder(s) in a safe, noticable place, where you can see them as a reminder.

Answer 2

I don't know what grade(s) you teach or what subject(s).  One thing I do, especially for math, is let the students grade them themselves in class (if it's not for a grade) that way they can quickly see what they are having trouble with.

Some things I don't grade - just check that the students did the assignment.  Those I deal with immediately.

My kids turn work in to a paper sorter.  I clip the papers, grab the correct answer key (if applicable) and throw it all into the bag I take home.  I generally grade everything THAT day or the next (except for longer writing assignments/projects) so that I don't get behind.  By using the paper sorter (one section per subject or class period) it's hard to forget to take it home.

Also, if you use a rubric to grade it certainly speeds up the process.  Rubistar has 1000's saved by other teachers that you can use, or you can create your own.  Last summer I created the majority of the ones I knew I'd need for the year.  This is a free service that's very easy to use.

http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php