I’m up to my eyeballs in papers to grade.
I know — if I didn’t make the homework assignments in the first place, then I wouldn’t have homework myself, but I have yet to figure out how to teach a writing course without actually having the students do some writing.
Most of the time, I just chip away at the pile, grading three or four at a time, then taking a break for an hour or so, returning to the task at hand until they’re finished. I’m always very generous with the proofreading marks and content comments; I figure their hard work deserves it, and that’s how they learn and improve. But this time, for some reason, I can’t force myself to get into it.
I’ve given myself a deadline to get the graded papers returned, and I’ve never missed meeting a deadline yet. But there’s a first time for everything, and I’m concerned this may be that time.
I don’t know why I’m having such trouble getting motivated. Maybe somebody should wave some luxury watches in front of my face and hypnotize me into action. Or maybe I should just turn off the computer and go do it. Sigh.
Good luck with that! There’s nothing worst than not “wanting” to do something… no matter how much we liked and enjoyed it in the past. Turning off the computer will surely help you, as long as the tv also stays off!
Turn off the TV??! God forbid!
I feel for you! I worked as a classroom aid for 5 years in 5th & 6th grade and I was amazed at the amount of paperwork that gets shuffled between teachers and students. It’s a never ending cycle!
Thanks, Lynne. And here’s the update: I finished the grading — and I met my deadline after all!