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Grading in Google Classroom - Using the Comment Bank & More!


Google Classroom updates in August incorporated some big changes!  Grading in Google Classroom has been upgraded with a new grading feedback tool that features a Comment Bank.  Feedback is a huge part of the learning process, and the Comment Bank is designed to make giving and receiving feedback faster and easier.

New Features in Grading



Comment Bank

Watch this excellent (and short!) video by Google Classroom/Google Sheets Guru Alice Keeler on how to use the Comment Bank.


For a quick recap (and for speedy feedback):

  • The Grading/Feedback tool automatically defaults to 'Suggestion' mode.

  • Use the shortcut keys Option + Command + M on a Mac to invoke comments.

  • Within the comment box, type # to open the Comment Bank. * 
*Google Classroom will show the last 5 comments you have used.  Most teachers will have more than 5 comments in the Comment bank.  If you want to use a comment that isn't shown, type the #(hashtag) and begin typing a word found in the comment you want!  The list will narrow until you see the comment you want to use.


Tip:  If you are having trouble seeing everything on your screen, use the Zoom In (Command +) or Zoom Out (Command -).

Comments & Private Comments

As you add comments to your student's assignments, students may receive emails notifying them of your comment.  If students have Turned In the assignment, they can't view comments until you Return the document to them.    


You may also utilize the Private Comments found on the Grading shell to provide feedback to the student on their overall assignment or progress.

Pro Tip from Meredith Fischer:

Meredith writes her comments within the document but doesn't click the Comment button on them until she has finished grading the assignment for that student. That way, the student doesn't notice how long she worked with their assignment. (One does have to teach, work with colleagues, and eat!)

How do I see my Private Comments?

You can see any Private Comments you made both in the Grading Feedback shell and on the assignment page with the list of students under the student's name.

Grading Feedback shell:


Assignment page:


How do students see my Private Comments?

Students can see your private comments by navigating to the Classwork tab and clicking on View Your Work. 


Here students can see all their work.  The number next to the assignment name indicates there has been a private comment made.  By clicking, students can see the comment conversation in whole. 


By the way, it is a great idea to encourage students to come here at least once a week!  Not only do they see the status of their work, but they can Mark as Done any assignments that they turned in offline.  This will help them find assignments that are legitimately missing!

Resources

Alice Keeler has made an entire series of videos about the new Google Classroom.  Click here to see a list of 32 videos (all 2 minutes or less) where Alice shows you how the new features in Google Classroom work!

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