Grading Essays and Images

Once the assignment due date has passed, graders can begin evaluating student essay and image submissions (see the student process in Submitting Essays / Uploading Images.

Graders access the grading page by clicking the descriptive link for each item (e.g., Procedure, Image (Excel Graph), Post-Lab Q1, etc). This web-based system streamlines grading and improves accuracy with the following features:

1. Typed Answers - typed responses eliminate issues with illegible handwriting. The built-in HTML editor also allows for formatted text, making answers easier to read and evaluate.
2. Save Time - no need to flip through physical lab reports. Graders can quickly move from one student's response to the next by scrolling a webpage.
3. Graded Indicator - once an essay or image is graded, the link updates to Essay Graded as a completion marker.
4. ToDo List - the system automatically generates a ToDo list of ungraded essays for TAs and instructors. After grading, items move to the Completed Work list.
5. Pertinent Information - relevant data from the database (e.g., experimental results) can be displayed alongside the student's answer to support accurate grading. If it is in our database, it can be displayed.
6. Deduct Points Buttons - The grading page starts with full points awarded. Graders can quickly deduct points using three preset buttons.
7. Saved Work - progress is automatically saved after entering comments or deducting points. A "✔ Saved" confirmation appears on the page, protecting against data loss from outages.
8. Automated Comments - a floating comment panel includes commonly used feedback. Ten buttons correspond to preset comments - clicking a button inserts the associated comment into the student's feedback box. Multiple comments can be added to clarify mistakes. Once entered, these comments immediately appear on the student's lab report.
9. Manual Comments - graders can edit automated comments or write custom feedback in the comment field when needed.
10. Grading Images - uploaded images are graded using the same interface. When an image link is selected, the student's image is displayed as the response.
11. Sorting and Organization Options - Student responses can be organized in several ways to improve grading efficiency:
    • Name - (default)
    • Answer - groups similar responses together
    • Points and Comments - groups students with similar scores for consistency checks
    • Per-Student Grading Text - groups responses (e.g., Yes/No with explanations) for easier comparison
    • TA - shows which TA is responsible for grading each group
    • Students with an answer but 0 points - helps identify submissions that may deserve partial credit
12. Additional Navigation - the Grade Another Class Link allows a grader managing multiple lab sections to quickly switch between classes to grade the same question.

To see many of these features "in action", click the Play button in the animation below.