Tip of the Week

Returning Graded Student Work

Can I return homework or other graded papers by passing them back in class down a row (not individually)?

Leaving personally identifiable, graded papers unattended for students to view (either in a box or by passing them back in class down a row) is no different from posting name and grades in the hallway. If these papers contain "personally identifiable" information, then leaving them unattended for anyone to see (in or out of the class) is a violation of FERPA.

Some possible solutions include the following:

• do not return the homework at all, just post the grades to Blackboard;
• return papers only during office hours and only to a properly identified student (who presents proper I.D.);
• leave items with an assistant or secretary in a sealed envelope and require proper I.D. by the student to return papers to them;
• arrange for each section (where there is a small lecture or section) to return the work individually and privately to the student;
• weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as determined, have students line up in class in front of a GTA or proper class assistant to receive homework during the large lecture with students presenting appropriate I.D.;
• use a completely randomized number for the homework assignments (cannot be KU ID number, SSN in whole or in part, or anything easily traceable--like given out alphabetically)and maintain the secrecy of that number when returning papers. advise the students on the syllabus they must keep track of their number and use only that on assignments without other identifier;
• post the correct answers from the assignment with the solution sequence on the Blackboard class website so the students may review (they can verify their homework at office hours pick-up if they so choose); or
• have the students only turn in an answer key (not to be returned) and retain the work/problems to compare against the answer that is posted on Blackboard or provided in class.

Can I ask all my students to sign a release for the return of their papers in a box or being passed out during class?

If you were to ask for the students to sign a release/agreement to return of papers, it is no longer voluntary, as there is a perceived pressure involved. It is better to use one of the solutions provided in the above FAQ.