Using "To-Don't" Lists to Streamline Grading

As we move into the final weeks of the semester, I find myself thinking of all the things that I have to cram into a short amount of time. I wouldn't describe myself as overwhelmed, though. I'm fairly efficient - mainly because I don't allow myself to get distracted by inconsequential things. I'm a planner who lives in the future. Yes, I'm a Virgo. I create assignments and rubrics that are designed to promote learning ... and that allow me to efficiently grade with a quick turn-around.

But it's not just that. I came across this article on HubSpot - that seems to capture how I operate. I liked what the title tells me...how to focus on what matters. As faculty, we often allow ourselves to get hung up and distracted by student behavior. I refer to these as "student red herrings." You know what I mean: what's my grade? can I do extra-credit? can you look over that assignment you graded back in September? etc... Suddenly you are regrading old assignments, listening to sob stories, and finding a way to raise someone's GPA.

When you no longer drive the bus and your students are running your life, it's time to develop a to-don't list. Over the years, my set of principles keeps me centered.

Here's how...

Thank you to blog.hubspot.com/sales.

What's on your to don't list?