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My 7 Principles for Making Marking Effective.
PRINCIPLE 1
Marking is intended to help pupils progress, therefore comments will be constructive and positive. However, if a negative comment has to be used, it will be balanced by improvement targets and encouragement.
PRINCIPLE 2
Marking should be targeted in relation to the objectives outlined in the lesson and students must understand the aim of the task and how they can succeed.
PRINCIPLE 3
Marking must be regular, consistent and fair in order that both teacher and student should be able to track progress.
PRINCIPLE 4
Marking should be differentiated to suit the student and should refer back to previous learning. Students are entitled to expect clear explanation of the marking and of any grading system used.
PRINCIPLE 5
Whenever possible marking should be a dialogue between teacher and the student. This may be done in a tutorial with records noted in the pupil’s book. I also encourage additional communication from the student on the page and I expect students to respond to marked comments. Self-marking can be used where appropriate, although I monitor it.
PRINCIPLE 6
Spelling is important. I will show where students have made mistakes, but it is not the most important feature of written work.
PRINCIPLE 7
Good marking helps students to move forwards and to assess their progress. It should also be an aid to revision.
