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19 October 2004: Missing the Point (5 of 5)
There's another point in this discussion the Globe article almost makes. One second grade teacher from the Boston area admits that red pens are definitely a no-no, but also concedes that she uses sticky notes to give feedback, rather than writing directly on a student's work.
Haven't we all experienced what my colleage described to me just yesterday: I put together this really nice report on my family history. It's something that I have kept for so many years. I do wish the teacher hadn't written all over the cover page, even though what he wrote was good.
Aside from my belief that it is ineffective, writing on a child's work is disrespectful. It is one more way that teachers demonstrate their knowledge and power, while calling attention to their students' lack. Like most good teaching, alternatives such as rubrics and peer editing are more effective and less work for teachers. Save the colored pens for doodling during staff meetings.
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