Pithy versus Personal
Hi,
When I am interacting with students in a discussion forum or posting my evaluative comments in their gradebook I work very hard to give them individualized feedback and to extend their learning. My quandry is that I tend to be more expansive when concentrating on making connections and yet I also want very much to convey a few key points that are not lost in a lengthier discourse.
I am still working on creating that fine line between personalized and thoughtful content and ensuring that the recipient will take away my key ideas and suggestions.
Do any of you have any wisdom to share regarding this topic?
Laura Smythe
Laura,
I like the use of the phrase "to extend their learning." That's what meaningful feedback should do - help them improve. I use Jing to record my voice and shoe them key points on their document. That way the can see what I'm talking about and hear it too. Students say the take away more from this feedback. Hope that is helpful.
Hello Laura and all:
I use a grading rubric which I copy and paste into grading comments. Each area already has criteria for evaluation (A, B, C, D, F) of content development/purpose, critical thinking, communication skills, and information literacy/documentation skills. Then, I add comments to point out what students need to improve on as they work on subsequent writing assignments.
This method has streamlined my grading process and provides effective formative feedback. I have learned to focus on the major issues and focus on conciseness and clarity in my grading comments. Then, I point students to resources which will futher extend their learning and application of recommendations in my feedback.
When I first started teaching, I believed I had to comment on everything and defend every deduction. However, I have learned formative and summative comments do not have to be lenghty.
Cynthia
Using Jing or other voice over technology is a great idea! I use it only if students need to "hear" feedback or request more clarification after receiving a grade. With over 40 students a session, I have to maxmize my use of time, so I would find it difficult to do this for every student.
Cynthia
Cynthia,
Thanks for adding to the conversation. Sounds like you have a very good system with your rubrics and the additional comments you provide would be helpful as well. Nice job.
Cynthia,
I love using Jing and the students enjoy the feedback. I don't do it for EVERY assignment as I have up to 200 in a course, but if there is ONE thing early in the semester that I want to emphasize, it's good to do then. Also, I have had students use it to give peer feedback or develop tutorials for other students. It works great.
