On Wed, 21 Apr 1999 08:02:02 -0400 (EDT) Bob Keefer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
>
>FWIW, and although I know of no -cultural- reasons for doing so, one
>of my
>former colleagues (Hi John!) was convinced that his students got less
>upset with his corrections & comments on papers (and tests!) if he
>used
>-green- ink instead of red, due to the many years of negative
>connotations
>with red ink on their school work. He laid in a supply of green ink
>pens
>and used them instead of red. It seemed to work for him, but I've
>only
>tried it on one test, and I noticed no differences. I'm considering
>trying it on some paper drafts to see if anyone notices/cares.
>
>I have to admit that the whole idea does make sense to me...
I also use colors other than red on tests/papers/etc. I actually
alternate colors quite a bit, but I usually have purple and green. I've
tried pink, but it can be hard to read. I decided not to use red because
of negative connotations with red ink (individual, not cultural). For
the most part students seem to like it better, but still complain about
the comments. (a common comment is Oh well, at least it doesn't look
like it's been bled on). I did have one student complain about my using
purple; however, on the basis that it was her favorite color and I was
counterconditioning her positive response to it.
Ann Calhoun-Sauls
Associate Professor & Chair
Department of Psychology
Belmont Abbey College
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
