The end of semester means several things for most GAs and TAs: one is wrapping up your own semester of research, courses, writing, and whatnot. The other likely responsibility you’re facing is some type of grading, feedback, or assessment for the students in the course you’re assisting. Since today is Friday and we promised you laughs, have a look at these comics about grading from Jorge Cham, comic extraordinaire at Piled Higher and Deeper. PhD Comics have been making grad students laugh (sometimes at themselves) since 1997. If you like what you see here, head over to the site and find more laughs on all aspects of being a grad student. If you’re a real fan, you might want to watch this page for details about Jorge’s upcoming visit to U. Michigan on December 1st.

And now, laughing about grading:

[ But first a caveat: providing useful feedback is one of the most important things you can do as a teacher. Feedback helps students learn what they’re doing right and where they need to improve. Also, the GATA Team encourages you to practice fire safety at all times.]

Since we’re headed for some miserable weather this weekend, let’s start off with this comic. Here is how the weekend of grading begins:

credit: PhD Comics, Jorge Cham 2010

Things are going fine, but this TA knows grading is more fun with a yummy snack to keep you company:

credit: PhD Comics, Jorge Cham 2008

Later that night, things start to get a little …mmm … weird .. :

credit: PhD Comics, Jorge Cham 2008

As the stack grows smaller, so does the TA’s composure:

credit: PhD Comics, Jorge Cham 2010

Enjoy your weekend. May it bring you yummy treats, perfect papers, and oodles of patience.