I always teach in the summer
Part of it is a money thing. Part of it is that I developed an online version of my class, and I just like to run it.
I got up early this morning and finished grading, which feels like a weight off my shoulders.
Three reflections on it as I turn to the shower and the open road. First, over the years I’ve really moved to having more assignments that are individually worth less but I grade more plainly: did they do it, is it okay, good, or actually says something, and if it says something does it say it finely. I find this really separates the students who are motivated to do the work. I get more risky work. The students who don’t do the work get a low grade in the end.
Second, in online courses I require them to email me. And they do. And I get to know them. It’s really engaging for both of us.
Lastly, my students always fill me with hope. They are hopeful, they are creative, and they take risks.
Okay. Enough of teaching. Time to hit the shower and the road.
Onwards! 
Thanks for a fascinating reflection on teaching. The grading method intrigued me, not having much experience with it.
The default grade is F (didn’t do it). From there, the grade increases stepwise with each criterion met: did it, E; if OK, then D; if good, then C; if says something, then B; if says it finely, then A. As a non-teacher, though, I would struggle with the gradations between “OK,” “good,” and “says something.”
Enjoy the Independence of the open road on this Day.
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