I teach English at a Technical Institute where students receive an Associate Degree either in CAD or Electronics. One of my collegues asked me forinformation on managing large writing classes. The best ideas I've seen for grading large amounts of written work is the method used in Advanced Placement programs. Here the instructor makes up a written criteria for each assignment and spend a great deal of time going over the criteria with the class after papers are written. Each paper then is passed around, and read by at least 4 readers.
Readers learn to give a number of points based on the criteria.
They write their reader number on the top and the score next to it. The instructor never reads any of the papers unless there is a large discrepency between reader points. Check out material on reading and writing for advanced placement exams for futher information. This means we meet odd periods one day and even periods the next, so we only meet our classes every other day. For information on having a workshop or presentation at you r school or district, email Kathie for a free brochure .