There are plenty of hints and tips for students to manage their stress during the exam time. But what about teachers? The pressure is, of course, immense on teachers so here are a few tips:
The first thing that you need to do is recognise it.
Stress affects us all differently and you are your own expert, keep an eye out for the signs that you are becoming more stressed.
This might be a change in your sleeping or eating patterns, feeling more irritable or having less time to do the things you would normally do for relaxation.
Beginning your day calmly
Sit down for 2 minutes before the pupils arrive and spend this time focusing on being in the moment, taking full deep breaths and slowing your thoughts.
There are some really great apps out there that can help you with this.
Seek peer support
Seek out support from other teachers, the chances are most of you are feeling the same and finding out what others are doing to cope can give you some great ideas and helps you to feel less isolated.
Don’t work too much over time
Yes, easier said than done!
But remember when you are feeling overwhelmed you stop being productive.
Recognise when this is happening, take some time out and go back to it when you are feeling refreshed.
Leisure time
Find something outside of work that you enjoy doing and make sure you incorporate it into your weekly timetable.
Don’t let it slip to the bottom of your priority list.
A “will do” list
Make a daily “will do” list not a to do list. A to do list gets longer and longer and can add to the sense of feeling overwhelmed.
Make sure that your “will do” list is made up only of things that you can definitely do that day and once it is set – do not add to it.
Learn to say no
You are not superhuman, do not take on more than you know you can manage.
Teachers are very good at advising pupils on managing their workloads and stress – be as kind to yourself as you are to them!
Source: Select Psychology
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Here are nine easy grading practices you can start today to prioritize self-care and well-being during grading.
1. Grade when you’re most alert
Grade during the part of the day when you're most bright-eyed and clear-headed, whether it’s after dinner or first thing in the morning. Grading isn’t something you can do half-heartedly — it’s a demanding task that requires focus, consistency, and patience. Whether you’re a morning person who thrives after that first cup of coffee or a night owl who finds clarity in the quiet of later hours, timing your grading right can help maintain fairness and accuracy.
2. Practice time management with breaks
Avoid marathon grading sessions, which can lead to mental fatigue and reduced accuracy. Instead, break grading into more manageable batches while setting milestones for yourself. Reward yourself with short breaks — whether it’s grabbing a snack, taking a quick walk, or spending a few minutes just relaxing. These tiny resets can help keep your mind fresh, prevent burnout, and boost productivity .
3. Use a timer
Grade with a timer so you don’t end up spending more time on one particular assignment than another. Spending too long on one thing can lead to inconsistencies in grading. Using a timer or setting a per-paper time limit can help you stay on track and prevent that “tired teacher” bias from creeping in .
4. Narrow the feedback loop
Sometimes, too much feedback can be detrimental. Students might be discouraged by an exam or paper filled with teacher marks, so help them prioritize by narrowing the focus. Highlight one to three priority areas in each assignment, whether it’s argument strength in an essay, accuracy in academic research, or problem-solving in answers. It’s not only easier for students to digest and absorb, but it’s also good for maintaining your well-being during grading sessions.
5. Leverage the right technology
The right tools can help reduce your grading time while maintaining consistency and accuracy. Use technology like tracked changes in Word to demonstrate updates, rubrics and Quickmarks in Feedback Studio to enable writing, or Gradescope for STEM assessments. Having the right technology on hand allows for quicker, more uniform grading and a more efficient grading system.
6. Respect your personal boundaries
It’s easy to lose track of time when grading, and setting clear boundaries is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If your bedtime is 10 p.m., commit to stopping work at that time. Not only does adequate rest improve cognitive function , but it also prevents burnout and helps you approach grading with a fresh perspective the next day. The short version? Don’t sleep on sleep — it’ll benefit you and your students in the long run.
7. Truly step away
When you’re not teaching or not grading, step back from work and immerse yourself in something that is personally fulfilling. The demands of academic life can make it tempting to constantly think about work, but setting aside time for personal fulfillment is just as important as professional fulfillment. Whether you pick up an old hobby, carve out time for regular exercise, or just spend time with loved ones, taking true mental breaks can make all the difference.
8. Encourage peer review
Incorporating first drafts and peer review into your coursework can not only help reduce the time spent grading — it can also foster and support students’ growth. By allowing students to receive feedback from their peers before submitting final assignments, you empower them to develop self-reliance and critical thinking . This not only saves time but also improves the overall quality of student work before it reaches your desk.
9. Design leaner, more purposeful assignments
Aim for fewer, more purposeful assignments that target knowledge instead of weekly busy work. Frequent assignments can create unnecessary grading overload for you, create burnout in students, and reduce the time for you to provide thoughtful feedback. Instead of weekly busywork, focus on designing assignments that target essential knowledge and skills. Fewer but more meaningful assessments lead to deeper student well-being and engagement while making grading more manageable for you.
Source: Turnitin
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