Grade Faster by Grouping Similar Answers in Gradescope

Learn how to use Gradescope's "Group Similar Answers" feature to efficiently batch grade short-answer and free-response questions by grouping similar responses and applying rubric items to entire groups at once.

Quick Links: | Group Similar Answers in Gradescope | Using Group Similar Answers for Batch Grading | Tips for Accurate and Efficient Grading |

Group Similar Answers in Gradescope

The Group Similar Answers feature in Gradescope allows instructors to batch grade student responses to short-answer and free-response questions by automatically grouping similar answers together.

This feature is especially helpful for large classes, as it reduces repetitive grading and helps maintain consistency by allowing rubric items to be applied to multiple submissions at once.

To use this feature effectively, you must have grading access in Gradescope and an assignment that includes short-answer or free-response questions with a grading rubric already created.

Using Group Similar Answers for Batch Grading

1. Log in to Gradescope, select your course, and open the assignment you want to grade.
2. From the assignment dashboard, select Grade Submissions.
3. At the top of the grading interface, select Group Similar Answers.
4. Allow Gradescope to analyze and group student responses based on similarity.
5. Review the grouped responses and manually adjust any groupings if needed.
6. Select the appropriate rubric items for each group to apply scores to all submissions in that group.
7. If necessary, review individual submissions within a group and make manual adjustments.

Repeat this process for each short-answer or free-response question in the assignment.

Tips for Accurate and Efficient Grading

• If groupings are not accurate, manually review and adjust them before applying rubric items.
• Ensure your grading rubric is detailed enough to account for common variations in student responses.
• Some unique or incomplete answers may require individual review rather than batch grading.

 Still need help? Contact the Technology & Learning Program for further assistance.
  
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