Tena Crews

Jennifer,

Love the sandwich method. Feedback to students should be positive, but there is always room for improvement.

Thanks for your input.

Jennifer Chagala

Hi Emily,

I also think this can be tough. I've had some success with using the sandwich method. I start out talking about something that the student has done well, then I point out what needs improvement, and then I end on another positive note. I agree that it's important that we don't discourage students, and it helps to start and end with positive recognition.

Tena Crews

Matthew,

Nothing is ever easy! Ha! ;-)

You are right. Sometimes it is difficult to stay positive and provide constructive criticism. I use a rubric for everything and provide the rubrics to the students prior to them beginning any assignment, discussion board, etc. It puts the responsibility on the students to perform.

Thanks again.

Matthew Willard

Boy this is a tough one...we are told to be positive with our constructive criticism but it is hard to sometimes not say come on now, you just didnt even try. Sometimes i will post 3 or 4 really good answers or responses and ask them to review those to look for clues as to what they could do better.

Tena Crews

Emily,

Thanks again for your feedback. There is a fine line between providing negative feedback to students and providing constructive criticism. You should begin with something positive and then provide the "needs improvement" aspects.

You can explain that we all continue to improve our writing, speaking, or whatever the skills are. This helps students improve on the next assignment/project.

Keep working at giving positive and constructive feedback.