I use red pen and I mark Xs. On open-ended questions I will
often write the correct answer in red pen. I think parents and
schools have gotten waaay too sensitive with that kind of thing
affecting students' self-esteem. I went to a Catholic school
as a child and, trust me, I saw a lot of red on my tests! And
I turned out fine!

I understand that some schools/principals require us to use
green pens, etc. We have to do what we're asked to do.
However, I have a personal problem with bending over backwards
to spare a students' self-esteem. Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT
ADVOCATING deliberate attacks on a child's self-esteem.
However, playing games where everyone wins, not correcting in
red pen, and other similar things really annoy me. What's
going to happen when these kids enter the real world? It's
going to be a rude awakening for them.

Just had to vent. Thanks.

On 7/03/09, Janie wrote:
> How do you mark incorrect answers on a quiz/test? First of
> all...I know...no red pens....we're only supposed to use
> green. I have circled the incorrect answer before...no
> x(s)...but had a parent complain that their son's self
> esteem was "eviscerated" by the circles. What do you do?
> Thanks! Janie

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