Grading with Red Ink

[Tygre]

Hi! My name is Tygre and I am currently a student teacher and graduate in one month!! But I am also working on a research paper on grading with red ink. I would love to include anecdotal evidence in my paper so if you could help me out, I would greatly appreciate it! I am very interested in how you feel about using red ink, how your school feels about using red ink, have you ever had parents or students complain about the use of red ink, which color of ink you prefer and so forth. Any views and ideas would be incredibly helpful!

Thank you so much in advance! :)
Tygre

[dolmansaxlil]

When I was getting my BEd, they told us not to use red ink, because it made it look like "the paper was bleeding". I think the idea is pretty silly, myself. However, whenever I pick up a red pen, I have that thought in my head, so I rarely use red. I usually use green. But I don't think it matters WHAT colour you use in the end.

[javamomma]

I personally used red ink, but also blue, purple, green, orange, pink, ect...

My students do not associate red ink with any type of negativity. :) It is just another color I use. I don't want my students to feel one color is "bad" over another. :)

This is not a school policy but my personal policy.

[Tygre]

Thank you so much!

I would love to hear some more ideas and thoughts!
Thanks. =)
Tygre

[honeybuns]

It has been my practice to not grade in RED! It has a very negative impact on students (Special Education). I allow students to pick the color they wish me to grade with. They feel empowered because they are active participants of their education, which is not limited to learning but making choices about their preferences. :o)

[bcasbcjs]

I normally use the blue ink.

[honeybuns]

I re-read your question and realize I didn't answer all the questions.

Our campus does not have a set rule nor does each grade level. Third grade, fourth, and fifth grade all have red pens on their school supply list. Teachers have a choice on our campus which is a huge plus in my book. :)

[arteacher]

In our school, we can use any color to write the score, but in school report we always use blue color.

[Fransisca]

In my school days, the teachers ALWAYS used red ink to correct our assessment and it does leave a bit of negative feeling.

Personally, I don't want my students to have this feeling, so I grade the students' assessments using blue, green, orange, pink, RED, and many more colors. I want to imply to the students that red is just another color.

However, I do agree that red could give a certain negative feeling to certain people. So, I guess it depends on the educational environment where we work.

Now I often use purple ink - the combination of red and blue ;)

[bettyb]

I don't think it's always the color of the ink that brings negativity. It's the way the paper is marked. A really large X or comment written across a page is going to look bad. I remember a paper my daughter brought home that had an F on it that covered half of the paper. This was years ago, and I can still see it in my mind.

[BobM]

Hi! My name is Tygre and I am currently a student teacher and graduate in one month!! But I am also working on a research paper on grading with red ink. I would love to include anecdotal evidence in my paper so if you could help me out, I would greatly appreciate it! I am very interested in how you feel about using red ink, how your school feels about using red ink, have you ever had parents or students complain about the use of red ink, which color of ink you prefer and so forth. Any views and ideas would be incredibly helpful!

Thank you so much in advance! :)
Tygre
The color of ink used is not important. It is important that the student see areas that need work or areas you found to be noteworthy. In real life, people use colored pencils and ink so that important notations will not be overlooked. It does not have to carry bad vibs. At my grade level, students also use red pens to edit their work, for the same reason outlined above.

[fireboat]

I was reading the original question and I find it interesting. This is always an on-going debate among educators and, of course, I have my share of opinions on it.... and I'd love to share them.

1. The question asked in my school feels about red ink. Honestly, I think if my school told me what color to use, I'd think they were micromanaging too much. A supportive school administrator sees his/her teachers as proessionals who can make their own decisions.

2. The question also asked what parents' opinions are. No, parents don't complain about the color ink I use. I think most of them are just grateful when their kid shows them a corrected test at all!

3. No, I don't think the kids get bad vibes when a paper is corrected in red. I use red for positive comments as well! It's the content of the comments, not the color of the ink that matters.

4. What color do I correct in? Usually red. But if a blue pen is closer, I'll use that. And if I don't have a blue pen or red pen-- I'll use whatever marker or writing instrument is nearby. I don't sweat over the color of the ink. That would be silly.

- Tim

[singasong]

Hi..I too find this an interesting topic because I've worked with people who think red ink is evil LOL. I've sometimes felt guilty for using red ink! But the truth is, it is NOT the ink color, but just the fact that it never feels good to get a few check marks, X's, critical comments, whatever, on a paper. Does this mean we shouldn't make corrections? Of course not. I do agree that HOW you make the marks has a lot to do with the negative feelings. Huge x's (and lots of them!) are never necessary and negative remarks should be a very rare occurrence. If there's a need for repetitive negative remarks, a conference should be held with the student. By the way, I do not always use red ink. I like to use all different colors, but only because I get bored using one color all the time.:o

[nancyosu]

When the students grade their own papers, I have them use red ink. I think it is easier for me to see what they have checked wrong. When I grade something, I just choose whatever color I like. I normally use bright colors (hot pink, purple, green, and yes sometimes red)

[fireboat]

When the students grade their own papers, I have them use red ink. I think it is easier for me to see what they have checked wrong. When I grade something, I just choose whatever color I like. I normally use bright colors (hot pink, purple, green, and yes sometimes red)

I think you just hit on the #1 reason teachers have traditionally chosen red ink-- it stands out.

If you correct a student's paper in blue or black ink, they'll never notice the corrections. And most kids won't examine the paper carefully anyway.

If you use other colors, you might be able to differentiate between the students' marks and the teachers' marks more easily, but the color still won't stand out as much as good ol' fashioned red.

- Fireboat (Go red!)

[YouthPlay_Editor]

As a parent, I can honestly say that the color of the ink has never once crossed my mind--until now. As a former student, I can honestly say that the color of the ink has never once crossed my mind--until now. Now that I'm thinking about it, I hope I can get to sleep tonight. lol. In all seriousness, I think I never noticed the color because, quite frankly, I was too absorbed in the comments.

[Mr. Larrabee]

I've been on both sides of this issue, trying it both ways to see if there is a difference. Here's about all I came up with. Red is cheaper, because it comes in bulk packs, stocked by almost every teacher-supply catalog. Admittedly, I teach HS math, so most students don't care the color. However, in all seriousness, I try to avoid using red in low-end classes or with struggling students. I don't know if it's me or them though, who feels more negative when the paper is covered in red comments or circles.

When grading an assignment that is to be "re-worked to mastery" I use a pink or yellow highlighter to circle the numbers of the problems that are missed.

[Melissa Patterson]

Red, or any color for that matter is going to draw someone's attention to what you are writing. I think using any color other than the original color is a great idea.

[Brimir]

I always use the smelly markers, cause my kids love them! When I first started teaching a was scared to use the red ones because of what I had heard in college. It was crazy. Then a student asked for the red smelling one, and I realized it really didn't matter. Teachers have enough to worry about. Now, I just use which ever marker I pick up first!

[Rosey72]

I have never thought of the concept of whether to mark in red pen or not before. My favourite colour is red, so I either never felt anything when I had my papers marked or even saw that they were marked in red, I truly couldn't tell you, and I wasn't the best student in world. I think it is an excellent idea to use different colours, I am a huge highlighter person myself with different colours meaning different things in my studies of education at uni, so I think I will probably use different pens to mark students work when I get out there. I hope it isn't an issue with the school I end up teaching at. Also my house has different feature coloured walls in almost every room of the house. People walk through and say wow in amazement, I love the different feelings I get when I walk through my home. Congrats to Tygre who would of graduated in June, all the best with your teaching and don't loose sight of your original calling to teach in the first place. Rosey72 from Australia. God Bless

[javamomma]

See I agree, students should see all colors and not just associate red with negativity

[joanna123]

It's what you say in your comments! You can turn a kid off to writing or trying anything if you make enough (sometimes even one!) negative comments no matter what color you use. I use color to point out GOOD things too! I use whatever pen I can find handy~:mad: :) :D ;)

[purplechalk]

I rarely use red, I normall use purple or pink. However, they know I mean business when I break out the red pen. My school as far as I know does not care what color you use but my high school had a policy against it.

[Contessa]

I think that as long as you can read what you have added to the students paper, it should not matter what color you use. However, there are many people who feel that the color red is too aggressive, so I guess that I would try to stay away from it and try to use other bright colors that would stand out from the student's writing.

[pennylane0903]

As a rule (mostly for myself) I do not use red ink at all on student papers. Personally I feel "red" has gotten a bad reputation for "mistakes." I typically don't use much red on bulletin boards or decorations in the classroom as well. I have also heard that the color red can cause anxiety in some children. Choosing to use greens, blues, etc. are more soothing. Who know really, this is just what I've heard.. and I'm a bit superstitious. ;)

[Boxcar]

I have no problem with grading in red ink, but it is not the only color to use either.

Yellow, orange, pink, and lime green are too difficult to read. So I won't use these colors.

Black and blue are the colors some students write in. Therefore, those aren't always practical when grading.

Green, purple, and turquiose stand out nicely and add variety. I like these colors, along with red.

As already has been said, it isn't the color itself. It is what you say/do with the color.

[Ericd2day]

Instead of marking things in red try putting a check mark next to the things that need to be corrected. Hand the work back and let the student fix his/her errors. Color does not matter, it
is how you mark mistakes. Maybe put dots over words that are spelled wrong, but do not do the correcting. Let the student do the proofreading.

[Ericd2day]

Instead of being afraid that red ink is negative, and it can be if used wrong, why not change the way you mark items that need to be corrected. For example, put a dot over a word that is spelled wrong, put a check mark next to a problem that needs correcting. Let the student do the work making things right. It's a learning experience for them when you change the way or use symbols you create to mark items being assessed. Try to experiment, let the kids help develop the symbols/marks and what they mean. Involve them, forget the color thing.
Good Luck.

[Boxcar]

One important thing to remember, however, is never to use pencil! lol. I think we can all agree on that.

[MzTeech]

Purple for me!!
Students grades papers in anything other than a pencil. I think I'll use green for the next quarter.
I don't like red because most kids have a red pen and might change things on their papers.

[jenjen277]

I agree, I don't think it is the color that matters. It is the comments that are made. I generally use whatever pen is close by and easily accesible.

[mopar]

I agree that it is not the color that matters. You must change how you grade, but most teachers are doing that. I like Eric's ideas about using symbols and letting the students find their own mistakes. Or offering guidance as you go, but not necessarily corrections.

[Boxcar]

I think with math problems, the teacher might consider including a seperate sheet of paper with the graded work. On this sheet s/he could show how to work the problem step-by-step instead of just marking the student's work as wrong. S/he could highlight the place where the student went wrong. I think that many students just look at the number they got wrong, but they don't really process where it is wrong. Unless, of course, they feel the need to argue for an answer.

[kingrichie]

We used to have a principal who asked us to use any color other than red. She told us that it created a stigmatism. Personally, I never understood what that meant. Now I use different colors, but mostly red ink to correct and grade.

[teach1027]

My students like it when I use different colors. like pink or purple to grade.

[wig]

If it is wrong, it is wrong and it does not matter what color you use.

I have a cup of colored pens and I use whatever I happen to grab - including red.

[javamomma]

dont you ever mark corrections without it being "wrong" ?
I know that on some of my papers I add things without it being counted against the student (3rd grade). I use lots of different colors.

[Kidz R My Biz]

I use a different color each week. This also color codes my grade book and provides a visual for me. If I am just helping a student with work, I like purple. My students know this is my favorite color so they like to see me use it and do not connect anything negative to it. When I grew up, teachers used red. I do not feel comfortable with it and it don't use it as I rotate through the colors. My students probably would not associate a negative feeling to it though.

[Bananas]

I use whatever color strikes my fancy at the moment. Blue, green, red, orange, pink, purple, black, silver, etc. Color! I love color! I need color! I also allow students to pick what color they use to write, so long as it is not yellow or so light that I have a hard time reading it.

I am so tired of the snow and wish it came in a color other than white. So gloomy and dreary for so long.

[Boxcar]

They make these paints you can spray on the snow to change the color or draw pictures.

If you have a younger classroom, you might consider taking your children outside to write spelling words or math problems with these paints. The kids often enjoy doing regular assignments in odd ways.

[MrsR]

I never thought about this until now...I never use red to correct papers, not because I believe the students will associate it with negativity (they are in 1st grade) but because I associate it with negativity. I have various markers that I use to correct papers, orange, green, pink, purple, blue, etc. but I will never pick up the red one!
I also grade my papers differently that the teachers that I work with (I push into their rooms-I'm a Spec. Ed teacher), when I mark my students' work I put the amount they got correct on the top rather than the amount they got wrong. I want my students to have a sense of accomplishment throughout the day and I'm hoping that by seeing that + sign at the top of their paper it will help with that.

[Bananas]

They make these paints you can spray on the snow to change the color or draw pictures.

If you have a younger classroom, you might consider taking your children outside to write spelling words or math problems with these paints. The kids often enjoy doing regular assignments in odd ways.

Just how did you know that I have my students do their assignments in odd ways?:)

[Mountshasta]

I don't think it's always the color of the ink that brings negativity. It's the way the paper is marked. A really large X or comment written across a page is going to look bad. I remember a paper my daughter brought home that had an F on it that covered half of the paper. This was years ago, and I can still see it in my mind.

Good point. Teacher's state of mind at the time of grading may have something to do with size, intensity, color. I've known teachers who use marks as a sort of sick means of discipline (punishment) -- "I'll show you for not paying attention and goofing off! Take that!!"

[maridee]

I always use a PURPLE pen to correct work for my students--SpED or not.

It was drummed into me when I went back to school by college professors--many of whom who had also been teachers in the classroom--NOT to use red pen because of its connotations.

In fact, one day, I had misplaced my purple pen and corrected work in another color--and the kids called me on it! "You didn't use purple!" They thought that was TERRIBLE!

I also make sure that I give the number of correct answers over the number of problems in a fraction. I can say, "Look, you got x number right! Good for you!"

{:) Sometimes, you never know what will affect them--or how what you do affects them. And just once in a while, it's the only bright spot in your day!}

Hope this helps!

[Boxcar]

It is true that you never know what is going to affect your students.

Personally, I like stickers. I think they are so much fun to add to papers.

[Hermione]

I do use red ink, if for no other reason than my students can use blue or black ink, and I want my markings to stand out. I suppose I could use green ink, but I just don't think the color of the ink is important. I think it's more important to worry about what you write on the papers. A huge F or a bunch of x's would probably upset a child regardless of the ink color.

[joanna123]

As a former (always in my heart) special ed teacher I learned to mark the correct items...optimistic--I suppose. Kids actually like it when you use color to show them what they got RIGHT instead of focusing on what they got wrong. :cool: You can use all the color you like that way!

[ChocolateNewOrleans]

I use red ink to grade, the kids aren't allowed red ink, I do this to make my marks stand out against their marks. If my district were to buy into the anti-red movement garbage, I'd still use red and say "I have to use red as that's the only color my poor vision can handle" (I have bad eyes, but not to that extreme)

[durangoatemybaby]

I use red but only to draw smiley faces.

[Boxcar]

I love smiley faces! Stickers too!'

:) :) :)

[MissTeach]

I have used all colors and haven't really noticed a difference with the students' reactions. Now, most of my student's work is on the computer and I pick a different color of font each time to write my comments with.

[wig]

I grade with whatever contrasting pen I have available - sometime it is red.

[ginger11]

I like to grade my papers in crayola markers. I teach first grade so I like color. But I do not use the red one. When I was studetns teaching my cooperating teacher used markers and I just picked up the habit I guess.

[Boxcar]

I like the idea of picking a different color and style of font. I'd like to get more fonts for my computer, but I don't want to pay for them...

[Miss T]

I use colored markers and I also don't check things wrong, I circle them. For me as a student, seeing red was always depressing, so that's why I do it :-).

[avid reader]

I use lotsof different colors sometimes based on the season for example I often use orange close to Halloween or red and green at Christmas. My favorite is purple, it is enough to show up but it isn't as common as the other colors. I usually don't use black because then it does not show up as weel, and I make my studens correct most of their work, if it doesn't show up they miss which are wrong and which are correct. I will also use a c for correct or a star by each one that is correct sometimes to show the positive.
The school doesn't have any policy on what color we use.
:)

[TookieWilliam]

I use colored markers and I also don't check things wrong, I circle them. For me as a student, seeing red was always depressing, so that's why I do it :-).

easy way to fix that kind of depression ;)

[Karenrbw]

I use contrasting colors - red, green, purple, etc. But I don't put big 2" Xs on wrong answers as a rule. I might draw a line through an incorrect answer or circle it.

[AWOL]

It reminds me of my ways(cutting). And I find it hard to read red as well. Not too hard, it just hurts my eyes, and that can't be a good thing. Also Boxcar, http://www.dafont.com/ has heaps of free fonts. No pay, all gain.

[syndilee]

Perhaps the question should be "What should be corrected on kids' papers?" As an English teacher, I can guarantee that if I spend 20 + minutes a paper, carefully grading (marking) every mistake, no matter WHAT the color - the students look for the grade at the end, and then ignore just about every comment made on the paper.

I've learned, over the years, that the focus of what is graded is what is important... not how much red or blue or green is on the paper. Now, I use a contrasting color, and let the kids know, AHEAD OF TIME, what one or two specific things I'm looking for, and that is all I check.

Finally, if possible, I never "correct" the mistake... but mark the line (in essays) where the mistake is. Allowing the student to find and
re-correct their mistakes is a sure way to help them not do the same mistake over and over.

[syndilee]

Hey - AWOL -
Wow - that font site is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[readingismylife]

I think it comes to do schools. I did student teaching at two different high schools and one school actually banned red pen for all correcting in my particular department while the other school preferred red pen. I personally use green just cause I find the red to be a harsh color. I hated seeing my college papers handed back with red marks all over it.

Also great point about students looking at the grade instead of the corrections. Drives me batty... especially when they toss said paper in the trash at the end of the period!!!

[Boxcar]

I love getting comments on my papers. I'm disappointed when the teacher doesn't comment.

[Tenured]

easy way to fix that kind of depression ;)

I agree, if they study and pass teh test, they don't have to worry about red marks.

[Boxcar]

True... Some students do just do poorly on tests though.

[Brit]

I always loved comments on my work, but some of my little guys in grade two just had a conniption if I noted any mistakes on their "good copy" papers in anything un-eraseable (little perfectionists, the bunch of them). SO, I got in the habit of writing misspelled words on post-it notes and sticking them to the relevant pages. Any comments or notes I had would go either on the back or on a separate sheet I would staple to a good copy. I actually like the post-it note system, because the kids have to re-read to find their errors before they can fix them.

In our rough books, kids are to edit for themselves, and I have an array of colours I let the "editors" use. They love using the teacher's pens, so they do a really good job of editing for themselves if they get to use "my" pens.

then again, I worked with a group of very exceptional 8-yr-olds. I wouldn't expect this kind of perfectionism from every class, but I like the habits it got me into. I must give an example of how excetional these guys are before I end: one student wrote in his journal (which I mark at the end of each week and comment on): "Please do not comment on an entry until I indicate that I am finished with it. I will continue with this topic next week. your writing gets in the way." FROM AN 8-YEAR-OLD!!!!!

[hweber]

I like to use sparkle gel pens. The kids think it is lots of fun!

[joshmon80]

I'm a new teacher and I was a special education major last year. I had three different professors tell me not to ever use red ink when grading papers. They all stated that that should go for every classroom, every age.

[Karenrbw]

I also resented the huge, angry Xs on the paper much more than I resented the color of ink. I never use an X on grading. I usually just put a small slash. I also use all different colors of pens, gel pens, sparkle pens, etc.

[herdgrad]

A red pen is on my supply list because the kids grade their own homework in red. I have blue pens that we grade classwork together and of course I mainly grade in purple. Of course I have graded in anything handy (crayon...which they seem to like, orange highlighter, etc.). Although if I can help it I never put an X when a student gets something incorrect. I just circle the number of the missed problem. I let them go back and correct the ones that they missed for half credit back (this does not include tests, quizes and papers we have already gone over as a class). Since red is not the only color we use, I really don't think it has any impact, they just look at it as a colored pen that they grade their own homework with. I like to add stickers to papers also!

[bobino]

I really think colors here mean nothing. I admit I wouldn't write a letter in Red ink looks a bit chilish in my opinion but I doubt any student is worried about the color more likely the grade An A+ in Red is just as good as an A+ in Blue or Green or Pink or Bl...

Rob

[Anne Swigard]

i prefer blue ink instead of red

[hweber]

I like using the glittery gel pens, they are fun for me!