I agree that providing feedback on writing is one of the most time consuming parts of teaching. In fact, I sometimes feel as if I put more effort into my comments than students do on writing the paper! One idea I implemented last year and felt it effective to continue doing is including a written reflection piece. After students receive the final graded draft back, they respond to a few questions I pose about their writing process and also to agree or disagree with the grade I assessed. This allows for great communication between me and individual students. I find students are often harder on themselves than I am, but if they are truly upset with a grade or my feedback it is easier for them to voice that in writing than speaking with me. This is an ungraded piece (though still required) of writing (so I can quickly scan them), but I think it gives the student more ownership in his or her writing process.
[Edit: Response]
Hi Nancy!
I really like that idea! I especially like it because it's easy to implement and something that I can start doing immediately. I think that I'll spend some time thinking of good reflections questions later today!
I agree that providing feedback on writing is one of the most time consuming parts of teaching. In fact, I sometimes feel as if I put more effort into my comments than students do on writing the paper! One idea I implemented last year and felt it effective to continue doing is including a written reflection piece. After students receive the final graded draft back, they respond to a few questions I pose about their writing process and also to agree or disagree with the grade I assessed. This allows for great communication between me and individual students. I find students are often harder on themselves than I am, but if they are truly upset with a grade or my feedback it is easier for them to voice that in writing than speaking with me. This is an ungraded piece (though still required) of writing (so I can quickly scan them), but I think it gives the student more ownership in his or her writing process.
[Edit: Response]
Hi Nancy!
I really like that idea! I especially like it because it's easy to implement and something that I can start doing immediately. I think that I'll spend some time thinking of good reflections questions later today!
Regards,
Justin