Creating assignments that are both engaging and informative is an essential part of your job as a teacher. However, grading can be a time-consuming and tedious process, taking away from the time you could be spending on other important tasks. Luckily, with advancements in technology, it is now possible to create assignments that are self-grading. In this blog, we will explore the steps teachers can take to create student assignments that are self-grading, helping to save time while still providing students with meaningful feedback.

Step 1: Choose the right platform

The first step in creating self-grading assignments is to choose the right platform. There are many tools available online that allow teachers to create and share self-grading assignments with students. Some popular platforms include Google Forms, Kahoot, and ClassFlow. When choosing a platform, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your students and the subject matter you are teaching.

For example, if you are teaching a language class, you may want to use a platform that allows for audio and video recordings, such as Flipgrid. If you are teaching a math class, you may want to use a platform that allows for the creation of graphs and equations, such as Desmos. Additionally, it’s essential to choose a platform that is user-friendly and easy to navigate for both you and your students.

Step 2: Create the assignment

Once you have selected the appropriate platform, it’s time to create the assignment. When creating self-grading assignments, it’s important to consider the following:

  • Choose the appropriate question type: Most self-grading platforms offer a variety of question types, including multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay. Choose the appropriate question type based on the subject matter and the learning objective.
  • Add detailed instructions: Be sure to provide clear and concise instructions for each question. Students should know exactly what is expected of them and how to respond.
  • Include feedback: Providing feedback is an essential part of the learning process. Consider adding feedback to each question, so students know where they stand and how they can improve.
  • Use multimedia: To create engaging assignments, consider using multimedia such as images, videos, and audio recordings. This will help to keep students interested and motivated.

Step 3: Set up the grading system

Once the assignment is created, it’s time to set up the grading system. Most self-grading platforms offer a variety of grading options, including point-based and percentage-based grading. When setting up the grading system, consider the following:

  • Determine the weight of each question: Assign a weight to each question based on its importance and relevance to the learning objective.
  • Set the passing grade: Determine the passing grade for the assignment. This will vary depending on the subject matter and the level of difficulty of the assignment.
  • Consider partial credit: Some platforms allow for partial credit to be awarded for certain types of questions. Consider whether this is appropriate for the assignment.
  • Test the assignment: Before sharing the assignment with students, be sure to test it thoroughly to ensure that the grading system is working correctly.
This image depicts a student working on a self-grading assignment in class.

Step 4: Share the assignment with students

Once the assignment is created and graded, it’s time to share it with students. When sharing self-grading assignments with students, consider the following:

  • Provide clear instructions: Be sure to provide students with clear instructions on how to access the assignment and how to submit their responses.
  • Set a deadline: Set a deadline for the assignment and communicate this clearly to students.
  • Provide feedback: Once the assignment is submitted, provide feedback to students as soon as possible. This will help them to understand their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement.

Step 5: Analyze the results and provide feedback

The final step in creating self-grading assignments is to provide feedback to your students. This is an essential part of the learning process, as it helps students understand where they went wrong and how they can improve.

If you’re using Google Forms or Microsoft Forms, you can provide feedback by adding feedback for correct and incorrect answers.