[Google Classroom] Improve grading process for free response questions

Really it could be any modern AI service, but most of us are using Google Classroom. Multiple choice questions have been relatively easy to grade since the invention of paper. But free response questions require thought, both on the the part of the student, and on the teacher during grading. Each student answers the question once, the teacher grades up to 30 times, per question, per quiz, every unit. This was never sustainable. Doublely so if best practices for pedagogical feedback are employed. ## Setup 1. From your school account open gemini.google.com and click on the Gems item in the left-hand sidebar. 2. Click the + New Gem button (not the labs version) 3. Fill out the name, I use "Co-teacher {class name}", description is optional. 4. Add instructions. This is just a basic overview of the class dynamics, grading methodology, etc. Do a mind dump and press the magic wand button. Gemini will rewrite into agentic instructions using best practices. Review, edit, and magic wand until you are satisfied. I add a template for student feedback for consistancy. 5. Upload your course syllabus to the Knowlege section. Google Doc, PDF, Text, whatever format you have. This gives Gemini the logical structure of the class so it knows what order information is being delivered and won't suggest that students reveiw information not yet covered. From there you can test it out on the right side. Add a previous FRQ in the form of a Google Form, CSV, or folder of Google Docs. Add your rubric for each question on the test. Then ask Gemini to grade the test. If things are not correct, modify the instructions and use the Regenerate button until the feedback is the way you want and save. Now, anytime you need to grade a FRQ quiz/test you can open the Gem, add the student responses and rubric, and ask for grading. Just reveiw the feedback, edit with what you know about individual student needs, and done. Grading with high quality feedback is now an hour long process. Well worth the $15/month/teacher that Google charges as we are all being asked to do more with less. Now you can spend more time verifying Yonder pouches are locked, or teaching. edit: typo