Customer Reviews

Papers, Papers, Papers: An English Teacher's Survival Guide

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a relatively new teacher of English, I was a bit worried about the paper load I will face when I begin my new position as an AP Comp teacher. Jago writes a very accessible book with lots of really PRACTICAL suggestions. It is a very fast read, and, with the exception of the 'paper-grading' parties she suggest to alleviate the "is'it just me" syndrome, (if we all got together as friends to grade papers - no grading would ever get done!) her ideas are realistic - and better yet, they offer reasonable short-cuts to the teacher without ever compromising the evaluation for the student. Everybody wins!

For a teacher who hasn't much time for useless reading, this was a quick, easy, helpful read to help manage paper grading. I have used much of the advice and it has made life with essays less stressful. It was also encouraging as the author was honest and open about the second thoughts we all have about teaching, wondering whether what we do is all worth it. Yes, it is. Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

Great ideas on how to handle all of the papers. Even includes sample rubrics for different types of essays.

I will be student teaching next fall and I felt this book would help me prepare. This book provides several concrete ideas with clear examples concerning grading papers. Jago recommends focusing on just a few key grammar and usage errors and to spend more time on a personalized commentary on the content instead. This book helped define my grading priorities as I start to teach. She provides several ideas that I plan to implement next year to budget my time wisely. This is a good read for any future English teacher.

This book is very well written but only the first two chapters were helpful. I was hoping the book would help grade papers for all disciplines but the primary focus is English in a classical classroom setting. Some of her suggestions, such as alternatives to essays, a grading party, or peer assessment, can only be used in a typical classroom setting.