95. How to STOP Grading Everything

09/11/23 • 25 min

As teachers, we know that our time is valuable and we try to create that perfect work-life balance. However, time dedicated to instruction, engaging activities, and other teaching-related tasks can consume our time in and outside the classroom. But you can decrease the amount of time you spend on one task that will save you more time and energy, which is grading!
Now, I know that grading is a mandatory and necessary component of teaching, but the amount of time teachers are spending on grading student work is way too much. I believe that there are ways you can truly stop grading everything while still having multiple preps and higher-level AP courses. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to achieve this, two of the biggest criticisms I get, and my solutions to each.
Once you decrease the amount you’re grading, you will begin to see how it benefits both you and your students. Yes, I said students! They will appreciate your more timely feedback and get a more energized and recharged teacher, which ultimately impacts your instruction and activities.
Although the concept of not grading every assignment is scary, I promise it will be life-changing. I am living proof that this philosophy works, which has helped me create a more balanced work and home life, which also benefits my students. Join me in my grading challenge of collecting 1 thing per class per week and watch this simple change make a huge difference in your life!
Resources Mentioned:

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode95

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode95

Previous Episode

94. How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes

To wrap up our Summer of Podcast PD, we’re ending with a series on grading practices. And one of the hot topics that’s particularly relevant in secondary classrooms is the act of cheating. This is a topic that I feel very passionate about, so I’ve invested in my own research to find the best strategies and solutions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what you can do to best prevent it, how to respond when it does occur, and specific strategies to use in your classroom.
In this world we live in, technology is everywhere, and our students know how to use it to their advantage. And while cheating is an academic issue, it can be prevented. There are a lot of things I do in my own classroom that eliminate the pressure and act of cheating that’s related to how I choose to grade assignments, labs, and tests. I discuss what I do along with my reason for not giving homework.
But since we know that cheating will eventually occur at some point during the year, what do you do? With different perspectives on how to handle the situation, I provide my must-haves and then encourage you to have conversations with colleagues and other staff to ensure common language and policies. And for those who use my It’s Not Rocket Science resources, I share ways to use them without the fear of cheating.
Resources Mentioned:

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode94

Next Episode

96. Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)

Remember the days when you were in school and thought, When I’m a teacher, I’m NEVER going to do this! But then you become a teacher and do exactly what you said you weren’t going to do. Don’t worry, I’m guilty of this too. As soon as I became a teacher, I followed suit with the cycle of assigning homework in my class. However, I had a mindset shift to where now I’m a huge advocate for not assigning homework.
I know for some, this sounds crazy! Most of you probably have a list of questions that include how do you do this, what are the benefits, and how will I know if my students are understanding the concept? And while those are all valid questions, I’ve got answers for you! In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I chose not to assign homework, my strategy in doing so, and the 6 results I learned that may surprise you.
Since not assigning homework is hard for us to grasp, I ask one simple question that asks you to reflect on the meaning of the homework you assign. Once I was truly honest with myself, the decision to not assign homework became easy. With a few tweaks to my lesson plans, pacing, and instructional time, the need for homework became nonexistent. Plus, this new change had a positive impact on my students’ motivation, focus, and academic success in my class.
I acknowledge that making this type of change in your classroom can be scary and, honestly, not for everyone. However, my goal is to provide you with a new perspective and approach to how you view and implement grading in your class. When I stopped making homework a habit in my class, it was transformative for both me and my students, and I know it will be for you and yours, too!
Resources Mentioned:

Get the FREE Lab Audit
It’s Not Rocket Science Free Summer Podcast PD
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
Send me an email: [email protected]
Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode96

Secondary Science Simplified™ - 95. How to STOP Grading Everything

Transcript

Rebecca 0:00
You're listening to episode number 95 of the secondary science simplified podcast. The number one complaint I hear from most secondary science teachers is how much time they spend grading and how desperately they wish they could decrease grading time. And I 100% get it. I've been in your shoes, and I knew how hard this is, especially if you have three or more preps and or if one of them is an AP class, but I am here to tell you that the best way to decrease your grading time i