9 strategies to prioritise well-being during grading

Posted by Khanyi Khuzwayo on 29 September 2025, 11:50 SAST

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