Pilar Wyman, USDA Instructor FAQ

Following are some answers to questions about my Graduate School, USDA (GS) indexing grading techniques -- for both the Basic and Applied Indexing courses. Feel free to ask more -- just e-mail me!

• Why do you grade with a green/purple/red pen?
  I work to grade in a color different from those most students use on their lessons (blue and black, usually). It's the same pen and principal for how I vet page proofs, in fact. As I type this, I'm working on a stash of green pens. In the past, I've had some nice purple and pink ones, and even a light blue one for a short period. Sometimes, yes, I do use a red pen, even.

• I can't figure out or don't understand your comments? Your handwriting?
  I know, my handwriting can be just horrible. Honestly, I do try to write neatly. Also, I tend to teach via the "Socratic method" -- I ask you a lot of questions to make you think about what you're doing and to support your own authentic discovery of quality index writing. Any time you don't understand a comment or have trouble making out my handwriting, please don't hesitate to e-mail me!

• How much time does it take to grade a lesson?
  It varies greatly from lesson to lesson. Some lessons take 10-20 mintues: those are lessons that have answers typed (or written in elegant handwriting), have answers written word-for-word what is written on my grade sheet, and have no notes to me. Lessons that require creativity (those that ask for examples of entries, for example) also take longer. Indexing lessons each take at least a couple of hours.

• When do you grade lessons?
  Whenever I can:
  during indexing breaks, when I want to give my brain a rest from my current project, but I still want to be productive.

  while waiting for doctor/orthodontist/vet appointments.

  hanging out in coffee shops while my daughter attends a dance class.

  hanging out on the sidelines of a soccer or lacrosse field while my son's team warms up before a game or during a practice.

  Saturday and Sunday mornings, after having read the morning papers.

  afternoons at the dining room table, with my kids as they do their homework.
  Generally, I send graded lessons out on Monday mornings.

  Since we can email you questions anytime, why can't we just email our lessons to you, too?
  Ah, but you can! And you should: submit index lessons as RTF attachments to e-mail messages (Submitting Indexes As E-Mail Attachments details exactly how to do this). Submit non-index lessons as PDF file attachments. Remember: Following specifications is huge in indexing. Be careful what you submit. If all else fails, you can always overnight your lessons to me (just don't ask for a signature, please!). For all lessons, always be sure to also submit a Student Response Sheet, so I know where to send your graded lessons.

  I lost my cover sheets. Where do I get a new one?
  You can download Student Response Sheets here: EDIT3360C Student Response Sheet or EDIT3361C Student Response Sheet.

  How do I request the final exam? How do I request an extension?
  Final examinations and extensions are distributed from the main GS Self-Paced Training Program office at (303) 236-8500 or selfpaced@grad.usda.gov.

  I need to take a break from the course. Can you send me the answer sheets and I'll resume the course later?
  No! However, we don't fine you if you have to take a break. Contact the main office (See the point above), and they'll process your schedule for the course accordingly.

© Pilar Wyman Wyman Indexing Tel/Fax: +1-410-757-7119 Mobile: +1-443-336-5497 pilarw@wymanindexing.com