Grading doesn’t have to mean reading every paper with the same level of detail. The 2-pile method is a simple way to triage as you go, so you spend your limited time where it actually matters.
How it works:
As you go through a stack, sort each paper into one of two piles instead of grading top to bottom in order.
Pile 1 — Quick pass. Papers that are clearly strong or clearly show the same common mistake you’ve already seen a few times. These get a fast check, a short note if needed, and move on. You don’t need to write a paragraph of feedback on the fifth paper making the identical error — a quick symbol or shorthand note works fine once you’ve already explained it in class or on an earlier paper.
Pile 2 — Needs a closer look. Papers that are unusual, unclear, right on the edge of two grades, or show a mistake you haven’t seen yet in this stack. These get your full attention and more detailed feedback, since they’re the ones a fast pass might get wrong or where the student genuinely needs more input.
Why this works: most classes have a handful of common error patterns. Once you’ve identified them in the first few papers, the rest of “Pile 1” moves fast because you’re pattern-matching, not re-reading from scratch. Your real time investment goes into “Pile 2,” where it’s actually needed.
A quick way to start: grade the first 5-6 papers normally, in full detail. By then you’ll usually know what the common patterns are for that assignment — from there, start sorting.
This isn’t about grading less carefully. It’s about not spending the same amount of effort on every paper when they don’t need it equally.