This Issue's problem: Bill Penn, PGCE student, is struggling with marking and assessment

Problem

Bill Penn is three weeks into his main school placement and making excellent progress. One problem, however, is beginning to emerge. He is being extraordinarily conscientious in his marking but is rapidly losing heart. He is increasingly questioning what is being achieved by writing copious comments but he is determined both to use his assessment of pupil understanding to move them forward and to acknowledge their efforts. He feels he has no strategies to deal with issues arising from routine marking.