> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.classquill.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How AI auto-grading works

> ClassQuill's AutoMarker grades student work step-by-step, so tutors spend time teaching instead of marking.

## What AutoMarker does

When a student submits a homework question, AutoMarker grades it automatically — checking not just whether the final answer is right, but **each step of the working out**.

For each question the student submits, AutoMarker:

1. Reads the student's full working out
2. Identifies which step first went wrong (if any)
3. Marks each step correct ✓ or incorrect ✗
4. Generates a short explanation of where the error occurred
5. Flags the topic as a weakness area if the student struggles consistently

The tutor receives a summary and can add their own comments before it reaches the student — reviewing and augmenting, not starting from scratch.

***

## Supported question types

| Question type                | Supported                             |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Multiple choice              | ✅                                     |
| Short written answers        | ✅                                     |
| Maths (step-by-step working) | ✅ — including LaTeX / CAS expressions |
| Long-form essays             | Partial — flags key points missing    |

***

## How students submit work

### Via assigned homework

1. The tutor assigns a question or set to the student.
2. The student opens it in their **Home** or **Study** section.
3. They type or write their answer (or upload a photo of handwritten working).
4. They click **Submit** — AutoMarker grades it within seconds.

### Via Ask AI

Students can also take a photo of a question they're working on outside of assigned homework. The AI walks through the solution rather than just giving the answer.

***

## How tutors review graded work

1. Go to **Teaching** → classroom → **Homework** tab.
2. Click a submitted piece of work.
3. Review the step-by-step breakdown AutoMarker produced.
4. Add your own comments in the **Tutor feedback** field if needed.
5. Click **Release** to make the grade visible to the student.

<Note>
  Tutor review before release is optional — you can configure assignments to auto-release immediately after grading.
</Note>

***

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Assign practice questions" icon="list-check" href="/guides/ai/practice-questions">
    How to pick questions from the Question Bank and assign them.
  </Card>

  <Card title="View progress reports" icon="chart-bar" href="/guides/student-portal/progress-reports">
    How weakness data flows into progress reports.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>