Hello listeners!  I somehow managed to delete my previous podcast files - the entire folder has gone.  As a result, I have a brand-new opening and closing section.  I hope you like it!

Marking books is the bane of every teacher's life.  I have rounded up 20 of the best tips and tricks to reduce the workload.  I have personally tried all but two of them so I can definitely recommend them.

1. 02:24 Use a spreadsheet to create generic feedback


2. 03:44 PARA marking - Praise, Action, Response, Acknowledge


3. 05:01 Exit cards / Entry cards


4. 06:45 Mark to agreed criteria


5. 07:40 Vertical marking (works best in English)


6. 09:30 "Marking practice that does not have the desired impact on pupil outcomes is a time-wasting burden for teachers that has to stop." (DfE)


7. 10:00 Marking should be meaningful,  manageable and motivating. (DfE)


8. 11:36 When do the children respond? DIRT


9. 12:42 Limit your written feedback.


10. 13:30 Children should receive feedback either within the lesson itself or in the next appropriate lesson


11. 13:40 Adults should ALWAYS walk around the class with the correct colour pen to get as much as possible done on the go.


12. 15:19 Always train children to leave books open on the page.


13. 16:30 Use a ‘Class Marking Sheet’


14. 17:57 Free-writing Fridays - sit with a group.


15. 19:29 Close the door and mark


16. 19:56 Host a marking club for adults


17. 20:40 Mark in class


18. 21:35 Run a marking club for children


19. 23:43 Pick a group and focus on them.


20. 25:36 Coded feedback


21. 26:54 Only mark a little bit… but mark it well.