Rainbow highlighting is a color-coded system that gives the writer a way to check their work for errors. It is a strategy designed to help students identify the elements of a proficient essay in their essays, each other’s essays, or sample essays. Students are to highlight each element of a proficient essay in a different color. Students can rainbow highlight their own papers in order to see what revisions need to take place. This strategy can also be done during a peer editing session. Highlighted papers also allow the teacher to draw their attention directly to what is being scored, what the student is interpreting as an element of a proficient essay, and cuts the grading time in half.

Rubrics and scoring guides provide students with a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Students have concrete directions about what makes a good science project, a good persuasive writing piece, etc... Many studies have proven that rubrics improve students' end products and thus increase the students' overall learning. Rubrics and scoring guides provide students with valuable information about the degree to which a specific learning outcome has been achieved. They provide students with concrete feedback that displays areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. Students can use this feedback as a tool to further develop their abilities.

Did you know that you can save and apply frequently made comments using our Custom Comment feature? We have preloaded some comments, but you can edit and add to the list to address your students’ specific needs. Using a comment bank can be a HUGE time saver, and still allows you to provide meaningful feedback to your students. Watch the video below to get an idea of just how much time it can save you.