You're torn between lesson planning and grading. How do you find the right balance?

I have found it useful to use marking to inform my planning. I favour ‘real time’ feedback with learners that allows them to make in the moment corrections. If my marking is effective, I can identify common misconceptions to address as well as areas of strength to be extended, which then guides not only my learners’ next steps, but my own in terms of planning and tailored provision. I do not think I prioritise either planning or marking, as I consider both to be strongly linked and worthy of my time as part of a bigger package.

I love a to-do list. It helps me set clear and achievable goals within a workable time frame, to keep me on track for where I need to be. Time management is a vital skill for working efficiently and effectively in any setting. However, flexibility and curveballs that are thrown need to be taken into account as well, so while my to-do lists are something I use as a very useful time management guide, I make sure they are realistic and not too rigidly set in stone. My to-do lists are a guide, not a mandate.

I like to have a learning target and ‘success criteria’ available for learners, as it allows them to recognise the lesson goal and the steps to achieving it are clarified. Having a clear framework to guide marking makes life easier, more consistent and easier for learners to follow.

Use online tools for instant grading and streamlined lesson planning. Platforms can automate tasks like quiz grading, while planning software organizes curriculum efficiently. This balance allows more time for personalized teaching and connecting with students individually. 🖥️📝

I have grown so much from truly listening to and collaborating with a range of contributors in schools. We embrace the diversity of our learners and it is important to extend that to all actors in our settings, as unique contributions from a range of sources can shed greater light on ways to move forward with any task at hand. While we may not agree with every opinion, there is something we can take from each, even if it is merely strengthening our own point of view, or if it is challenging our way of thinking and pushing us towards alternative perspectives. All ought to be considered, so collaboratively working with others drives us to become more than we were alone.

Grading vs. Planning: Striking a Teacher's Balance As a teacher for 10 years, I constantly wrestle with the time crunch between lesson planning and grading. Here's my secret weapon: creative assessment. Ditch the mountain of essays! Instead, use engaging methods like flipped classroom presentations, live quizzes, debates, and case studies. Students learn more actively, and assessment becomes fun! Think of it as gamifying the process. Less grading for you and more engaged learning for them. Plus, personalized assessments like presentations allow deeper feedback that benefits everyone. This shift frees up time for well-crafted lesson plans – the building blocks of student success. It's a win-win for teachers and students alike!