Turnaround Time

Definition

How long it takes instructors to grade and return assignments—often measured in optimistic timescales that never manifest.

Example Usage

The syllabus promised a turnaround time of one week, but the midterms came back three weeks later.

Origin

General business terminology adapted to academic context

Fun Fact

Faculty often underestimate how long grading actually takes by a factor of 3-4x.

Source: Academic Management and Course Design practices

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