Re-using Feedback?
Hi all,
One thing that I find handy, and I wonder if other instructors do it, is to re-use feedback. And by that I don't mean giving the exact same feedback to each student, but by having a general format for each week.
For example, I will have feedback that is ready to be personalized. One assignment my students do to help them get used to writing paragraphs is to write two paragraphs about music they like. My feedback includes a comment that tells them that their work is interesting, comments on whether I know the musician or will check them out in the future, and then some general comments on the work (e.g. "clear organization!" or "you seemed to struggle with organization" and "your paragraphs were a bit too short" or "you provided plenty of evidence in your paragraphs"), and then I also provide feedback in the paper itself, showing them where they've made errors or have strong topic sentences, etc.
Do others instructors also use this type of "canned" feedback?
Thanks,
Kate
Jim,
Good idea. This should save you time and provide a bit of personalization for the students. Many times it is the little things that count. Thanks!
Jim,
The personalization helps. We want the comments to help the students so they can teach the set objectives.
Thanks.
I have created a rubric in Excel that already has all the students names in a drop down menu. When I grade them, I simply click on the drop down menu, select their name, and post that and the end of my feedback. This makes it even more personalized.
Jim DeLapine
I do have a template setup with phrases that are somewhat generic but I always find the need to personalize and adapt them - depending.
Cally,
Yes, it can be a time saver but personal.
Nice job. Thanks.
Like you I re-use parts of sentences, it is not necessarily the same but I can tailor it to the person, thus making it somewhat personal but a real time saver.
Fred,
Thanks for responding to Kate and continuing the conversation. Giving meaningful feedback to students helps them achieve the learning objectives. Thanks for your input.
Kate
In my feedback I always have the student name first and then the feedback. Usually the first part of the feedback is the same because this section discusses the rubric. The second part in specific to the student assignment.
Cynthia,
You are being positive in your feedback and that helps tremendously. We have to be constructive, yet positive and get them to understand that our feedback should help them improve.
Thanks!
I find that it is helpful when there are consistent problems from course to course with the assignment results. Encouragement on a job well done, remarks on the quality or content, etc., often are the same course to course. Specific notations as to excellence or where they can focus to improve on an area are typically added in on a case by case basis. If it is too narrow, the comment does look canned and that is not always effective or appreciated by the students.
Victoria and Katherine,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. It's nice when we see what others are doing and it's similar to what we are doing. It always makes me seem to believe I'm doing something right. ;-)
The Word Forms are a good idea. Thanks again.
Katherine,
Work smarter not harder right? I do the same thing. I will create a document that contains different formatted feedback comments related to one assignment. I usually create these based off of my rubrics. I will pre-write them and simply use the ones that are most applicable. Sometimes it will simply mean pasting the feedback and adjusting a few things here and there to ensure the feedback is specific and individualized. This way my feedback to students is consistent and substantial.
You can also do this in Microsoft Word Forms by creating drop down boxes that insert your specific feedback within your overall feedback. Check it out!
rebecca,
Over the years, teaching many things, I do have several canned feedback phrases, but then sometimes I have to many and spend more time searching than anything. :-) There is a fine line of balance. Thanks for your input.
yes, but canned feedback phrases, etc., often take longer to tailor to individual students that offering fresh remarks: but i do keep a list of favorite ones to help me do a better job.
Paula and Kate,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Continue to make those great rubrics that provide excellent criteria and help students improve. Thanks!
Hello Kate
I think having Grading Rubrics is effective and efficient. I use them all the time. I usually add something specific and unique to that student, but the general information is the same.
Thanks.
Paula
Christopher,
Yes I reuse general feedback as well and the get more specific with each student. The individualized feedback is essential too. Thanks.
I do re-use feedback with students. However, that is only in the general sense of structure as most assignments read very similarly and mistakes tend to be the same as well. It is important to tailor the feedback to the student to maintain that personal connection and how them that you really read their work and appreciated the effort.
samia,
Glad it has been useful for you. I keep the Jing videos in a resource area and just keep adding to the area each semester so that students have more resources each semester. Thanks.
