Teacher Talk Blog | Purple Replaces Red for School Marking

Purple the New 'Red' for School Marking

Purple ink ball point pens are increasingly becoming a popular alternative to red pens for marking schoolwork. While many of us will have be brought up with red pen crosses (I confess, I did get 'some' ;0), ticks and comments against our work, it seems that many teachers worry that there are too many negative connotations associated with red and therefore using it will be detrimental to a student's self-confidence.

It is also thought that marking in red causes teachers to grade more harshly than they would if they used a different color. Admittedly a while ago, a study in 2008 European Journal of Social Psychology claimed that grades would be higher if teachers graded in blue ink vs. red. It suggested that red pens may potentially make teachers more likely to spot errors on tests and be more critical. So if the use of a red pen triggers the teachers’ brains to focus on failure, the opposite should be true if a more gentle / softer pen colour is used.

Whether you agree with this or not, what is undoubtedly a good idea is a system which uses coloured marking to actively encourage dialogue between teachers and students. Adopted by many schools, the system promotes teachers to mark in green and students to respond in purple. With student feedback a key part of learning, this colour system encourages conversation.

Purple Ink Ball Point Pens

One school, Mounts Bay Academy near Penzance, Cornwall hit the headlines last year with their ban on red ink and many schools have since followed their example.

So in response to schools looking for low cost, purple ink biros, Classroom Capers is pleased to announce that we now have great value, 50 pen box sets in stock! While the price may be low, you can be assured of great quality with ultra-glide smooth ink, medium precision ball points (1mm) and the essential safety caps in place.

With low prices for one box of 50 pens and quantity discounts (not forgetting free delivery too!) we are believe we're one of, if not 'the' cheapest supplier around!

Click here to view the purple ink biro product page