Another strategy I've heard but haven't had a chance to try yet is to simply grade written work (essays, poetry, etc) on an Acceptable/Unacceptable framework. Decide what is acceptable for a particular writing sample and develop a rubic for those items. Anyone whose paper reaches the acceptable standard automatically receives 100%. Unacceptable papers can either receive partial credit or none until the revision & editing demonstrate the acceptable standards. That saves you taking papers home to edit for your students and puts all the responsibility back on them to improve the paper. I heard this from a high school English teacher, so I don't know how well it would translate to middle school, but it may be worth a try.
>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 11/27/2006 8:35:09 PM >>> Tena writes: I "go" to the students for conferencing and schedule our "dates." Tena, that's the part that I always get stuck on. I start out the year meaning well and then fade with the 28, 31, or 34 (!) kids in one class. Do you (or anybody else) try Atwell's "inbox/outbox" where students give you drafts for you to take home and comment on? I'm not averse to doing my own homework, but find that my students don't take advantage of my offer, or wait until the last minute before marks are due. I find peer conferencing unproductive except among my best writers who seek true 'peers' to help them. Most just chat or give insubstantial feedback. Also, would you explain "schedule our 'dates' "? Thanks, Ginny Paisie Cary, NC _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org . Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
