I'm nearing the end of my first pile of papers from this semester. My students displayed varying levels of ability - I almost said intelligence, but decided that wasn't quite fair. Because really, to me, writing is an indicator of intelligence. But these kids might not know that yet.
I'll be sorry to give the papers back. It signifies a change in our relationship. I'm no longer "Miss Hendrickson who knocked over a chair that one time and forces us to read news articles about mackerel fishing in Iceland." I become "Miss Hendrickson who gave me a bad grade and is ruining my GPA (and therefore my life) and who must hate me."
Students, I don't hate you. It's because I care about your success that I wrote that "D" on your paper. Six years down the road you're going to need to be able to write a coherent sentence and if you can't, there are worse consequences that a lowered GPA. Someday you'll need to be able to express the thinking you've done about an issue. If you can't, your solution - no matter how good it may be - will be passed over in favor of one more clearly articulated. This is to help you.
Papers. Almost done grading. Also, I'm writing a paper that will itself be graded. Then I'll have to read my own advice.
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