How to Grade an Online Homeschool Unit Study

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If you've been homeschooling any amount of time, then chances are you've used an online homeschool unit study. One of the most commonly asked questions, though, is how to grade them, especially when they are online. They're not quite like other methods and formats that typically come with an easy grading rubric. With my unit studies being web-based, parents have specifically asked how to grade them. You can use my suggestions for grading online unit studies with other ones that you plan to use in your homeschool!

What are web-based unit studies?

Unlike traditional unit studies that typically require printing digital resources and locating physical books, web-based unit studies are primarily completed online. This can be through a means of watching educational videos, reading information from a variety of websites, and completing a digital project. With web-based unit study's easy-to-use E-course format, no additional books and print resources are needed.

At what age children can participate in web-based unit studies?

Web-based unit studies are designed for children mid-elementary to middle school age who can read and navigate the Internet on their own. Younger children can participate with assistance. And in some cases, you may find it more feasible to take a course as a family, meaning all of your kids together (and with supervision).

How long do Online Unit Studies take?

That all depends on you and the pace of learning at your home. For my courses/unit studies, each module takes 2-3 hours to complete. Each course will have its own set number of modules, as well as instructions, directions, materials, etc.

When does the course start, finish, and how long do I have access?

In most cases, when you purchase an online, digital, or web-based unit study (or course), you will have unlimited access unless otherwise noted. The biggest perk is they are completely self-paced meaning you get to decide when your child starts and when they finish.

How to Grade an Online Homeschool Unit Study

Write down the subjects taught through the unit study.

Using a blank lesson plan template, subject tracker, or just a plain sheet of paper, write down the subjects that the unit study covers (or may cover). Depending on your unique way of taking notes, you may find it more feasible to make the list horizontal across the top of the page or vertically down the far left of the page. Regardless, you want to jot down all subjects, such as English, language arts, math, science, geography, specials (art, music, etc.), and the like.

Track the lessons within each subject.

You'll most likely be able to grab this information (and the aforementioned) from a class syllabus, rubric, or master list like shown on this online unit study about sharks. Going this route will begin to give you an overview of things that can be graded. You may not want to put grades on every little thing; however, some activities may give you some unique grading opportunities.

Use your grading scale to give “grades.”

Once your student has completed a lesson, check it, review it, and give it a grade. Write this down on the list you've already started. If you are a digital grade keeper, this data will be easy to transfer to your preferred platform. The overall goal is to give grades as your child completes a lesson, module, project, and so on. Waiting until the very end and backtracking may be stressful, although it doesn't have to be ruled out completely.

Keep a digital portfolio.

Most physical unit studies leave a paper trail of assignments, projects, tests, etc. to show work completed. But how do you keep track of “showing work” when the unit study is completed online? Easy! Don't have a digital recordkeeping system? Start with using Google docs, spreadsheet, or another application. When applicable, store the link to your child's work in the app. If you cannot retrieve a link, take screenshots of your child's completed assignment and store it in a folder clearly marked (so you can easily access it in the future).

Suppose you live in a state that requires you to show proof of homeschooling, you can take the digital resource with you on a jump drive or an app from your cell phone. The benefits of using today's technology!

Final Thoughts

Using an online homeschool unit study comes with many perks. From having fewer papers to keep up with to providing a unique way of learning, they are definitely worth a try. And if you're already using them and haven't quite figured out how to grade them, use my practical suggestions mentioned above!

Try the World’s Best Homeschool Planner for FREE!

If you haven't given one of my Online Unit Studies a try, CLICK HERE to access the Stars study for FREE! (Note: this course is free to new Online Unit Studies users. If you are already an Online Unit Study family, you can sign up for $5 with coupon ‘3OFFSTARS')

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How to Grade an Online Homeschool Unit Study

What are web-based unit studies?