Checker Checking and Timesaver Tests

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Checking Homework

From Charlotte Riche, an eighth grade math teacher at Syms Middle School in Hampton, Virginia:

"I have a seating chart and have a can of checkers with the number of each of the desks on separate checkers. I use this can every class. I only collect 3 or 4 homeworks from each class by randomly drawing checkers out of the can. Then I go over the answers by calling on the rest of the class using the remaining checkers. This method saves time because I check homework for correctness, not effort. It also keeps the students attentive, because they never know when they are going to be called upon."
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2. Student Graded Tests

From an anonymous reader:

"This suggestion comes from 28 years in the classroom.

1. Design tests that can be graded on a Scantron.
2. Design quizzes that can be graded by the students. I tell them to hold up their test in the air. Then I choose either to pass it back or forward one seat. That student then marks a large X on the ones that are empty or incomplete. Then I go over the questions on the board and overhead so the kids see right then and there where they went wrong. The students' papers get marked with a stipulation that if the grader made a mistake, 10 points will be deducted from HIS paper. This rule makes grading very accurate. The papers are returned to the original students for them to review.
3. I call up each student to give me his test and grade and it goes immediately in the book. He can then bring the test home.
4. Do not use this method if you're giving the same test to a class later on in the day. They will share their answers. Instead, collect the papers that are already graded and hand them back the next day.

No more papers to bring home!"
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3. Question of the Week: Hispanic Heritage Month

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th through October 15th. How will your school be celebrating this occasion?"
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4. Dealing with Tragedy

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge from Lilly Jenkins:

"How do you deal with a student's suicide? I'm not sure how to address this situation with myself or my students."
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