How to Evaluate Writing in the Classroom
Because writing is a process, the evaluation of writing should encourage and hone the process of composition. Each step in the process -- from brainstorming ideas to writing the final draft of a paper -- requires different forms of evaluation. The review of a research proposal may need guidance to focus the topic while an early rough draft may be missing chunks of logic. A letter grade on the final draft of a paper is only one way to evaluate writing in the classroom.
Instructions
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Consider the quality of the content initially, not the construction of the writing. Grasp the intention of the paper, and evaluate the integrity of the writing as an expression of these ideas.
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Respond to the writing with a positive attitude. A discouraged student will find it challenging to revise a paper when the instructor has dismissed it. Address only one faulty aspect of the writing at a time to avoid bewildering the student, particularly if the paper has many organizational or conceptual flaws. Be specific when you make a critical comment, and give the student a clear sense of the next step toward improving the paper. Sign comments with your name to personalize the feedback.
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Emphasize that writing is rewriting. Avoid grading first drafts and revisions until the basic logic and evidence presented in the paper are sound. Do not edit revisions and do the student's work. Provide examples of how to remedy stylistic or construction problems in the first page or two. Ask the student to finish the remainder of the editing.
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Do not grade short writing assignments. Check to see if students are fleshing out ideas. Evaluate preparatory writing and journals for the quality of the content. Use checks, points, comments or a plus-minus system to provide feedback to students.
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Establish the criteria for evaluation for longer writing assignments when you create the assignment. Use marginal comments to single out weaknesses or strengths in the argument. Request clarity if a point is muddled, and ask for more evidence if the case presented is weak. Do not focus on sentence structure or diction unless the paper is unreadable. Use summary comments at the end of the paper, writing these comments on a separate blank sheet. Express your impression of the writing, strengths and weaknesses and how well the student has executed the assignment. Provide an idea for the next challenge.
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Formulate critique sheets. Pose a series of questions on these sheets that cover organization, the use of evidence to support the argument and sentence construction. Introduce self-evaluation and peer evaluation to the classroom by requesting students respond to their own writing as well as the writing of other students by filling out these sheets.
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