The Mark My Words marking interface provides a powerful yet intuitive system for assessing student work. This guide explains how to use the automated assessment features, interpret skill evaluations, and provide customised feedback to students efficiently.

Accessing the Marking Interface

After uploading student submissions, you'll navigate to the marking stage of the assessment workflow:

1. Select the assessment you wish to mark from your dashboard

2. Navigate to the "Mark" tab (step 3 in the workflow)

3. Choose a student from the dropdown selector to view their submission

Understanding the Marking Interface Layout

The marking interface is divided into three main sections:

• Left panel: Shows your assessment questions and list of students

• Centre panel: Displays the student's work with highlighted annotations

• Right panel: Contains annotation details and skills assessment tools

Using Automated Assessment

Starting the Automated Assessment

1. Click the "Start Assessment" button (purple button in the top-right area)

2. The system will automatically:

   • Analyse the student's work

   • Generate relevant annotations based on the selected skills

   • Evaluate each skill using the defined criteria

   • Create preliminary feedback comments

Reviewing Automated Annotations

• Annotations are highlighted in the student's text (typically in red)

• The number of annotations is displayed next to the "Annotations" heading

• Click on highlighted text to view the specific annotation details

• Each annotation links to relevant skills being assessed

Working with Skills Assessment

Understanding the Skills Traffic Light System

Skills are evaluated using a five-level traffic light system:

• Dark green: Excellent demonstration of the skill

• Light green: Good demonstration of the skill

• Yellow: Satisfactory demonstration of the skill

• Orange: Developing but needs improvement

• Red: Significant improvement needed

Reviewing and Modifying Skill Evaluations

For each skill in the assessment (e.g., "I can write with my senses" or "I can create dynamic characters"):

1. Review the automated evaluation shown by the coloured indicator

2. If you disagree with the assessment:

   • Click on the skill's "Evaluate" button (lightning icon)

   • Select a different level from the traffic light options

   • The system will adjust related annotations and feedback accordingly

Skill Details and Evidence

• Click on a skill to expand its details

• View excerpts from the student's work that support the evaluation

• See specific suggestions for improvement where applicable

Working with Annotations

Types of Annotations

• Highlighted text: Shows relevant passages related to specific skills

• Feedback comments: Provides specific guidance on strengths and areas for improvement

• Examples: Offers alternative phrasing or approaches

Managing Annotations

• Click the "Annotate" button to add your own annotations

• Use the dropdown rating system (e.g., "Excellent") to categorise annotations

• Click "Delete" to remove annotations that aren't relevant or helpful

• Use "Comment" to add general notes that aren't tied to specific text

Generating and Customising Feedback

Automated Feedback

• The system generates feedback based on the skill evaluations

• Feedback addresses specific aspects of the student's work

• Suggestions for improvement are tailored to the identified skill levels

Customising Feedback

• Click "Generate Feedback" to create a comprehensive feedback summary

• Review the generated feedback and edit as needed

• Add personalised comments to make the feedback more specific to the student

• Click "Comment" to add overall observations about the work

Finalising Assessment

After reviewing and adjusting the automated assessments:

1. Check that all skills have been appropriately evaluated

2. Review the final feedback for clarity and helpfulness

3. Consider using the "Marking Scheme" option to ensure consistent evaluation

4. Click "Save" or "Complete" to finalise the assessment

Important Tips

• Remember: The automated system is designed to support your professional judgment, not replace it

• How you evaluate the skills directly impacts the feedback provided in annotations

• When giving feedback on creative writing, balance encouragement with constructive criticism

• Consider using the "Analyse Performance" feature to view trends across multiple students

• Use "Download All" to export assessments for record-keeping or sharing

Example Workflow

1. Select a student submission

2. Click "Start Assessment" to run the automated analysis

3. Review the annotations generated in the student's work

4. Check each skill evaluation and adjust if necessary

5. Add any additional annotations or comments

6. Generate and customise feedback

7. Save the assessment and move to the next student

Need Help?

If you have questions about using the marking interface, click the "Feedback" button or contact our support team for assistance.