15 Time-Saving Tips & Techniques for Providing Student Feedback

​Feedback is any type of response to student work with the purpose of improving learning and performance. To be useful, meaningful, and effective, feedback needs to be timely (or fast).  The sooner students get assignments back and learn how they can improve, the better.  Feedback should be constructive, a positive learning experience providing direction and guidance with the ultimate goal to help students rise to the next level and inspire an, "I can do this!" attitude. 

Tip #1  Goal focused, not grade focused
Not ALL feedback should be paired with a grade.  Align student feedback with assignment goals and keep feedback precise.  Help the student to understand HOW they are doing in relation to the goal and WHERE to go next. Provide clear, concrete, specific examples for improvement.​

 "Why We Should Separate Grades and Feedback"  Matthew Johnson, Feb 12, 2019 ​

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Tip #2  Not every assignment needs feedback

• Sometimes the purpose of an assignment is to hold students accountable for reading, provide opportunities to build procedural fluency or practice applying course concepts. 
• Identify the purpose of the feedback!

Tip #3  Sort papers into 3 Piles

• 3 - You've got this!    
• 2 - Almost!  Need more practice
• 1 - Let's try again! Specific Feedback - Reteach a skill, clarify, point back to learning

Tip #4  "See Me" 

• The assignment that is completely off track, needs a total overhaul or lacked effort (the assignment that is more like a 0 than a 3, 2, or 1 from above) earns a "See Me", either by virtual appointment, after class or during office hours.  Too much red ink on a paper can leave a student deflated and takes a lot of time.  Time would be better spent meeting to clarify the assignment, get the student back on track or uncover other contributing factors that may require assistance. 
• Use "See Me"  to provide "Wow" that was awesome - feedback as well!

Tip #5  SOC Method - submitted by Amanda St. George

• S - Sandwich
• O - Other Options or Opinions for Revisions
• C - Communication Style (audio feed back)

When giving feedback, I find it important to use the Sandwich method. 

• 1st give positive notes
• 2nd options for revisions
• 3rd affirmation for the attempt
• 4th communication via audio, to humanize the relationship, and be able to present my emotions, so they can be heard and customized.  If you have a student with a particular disability, this would be adjusted as needed. 

Tip #6  Reading Quiz Feedback - submitted by Alisa Beyer

• Review the reading quizzes (or pre-class quizzes for hybrid) and share out the commonly missed questions.  With a hybrid or Live Online class, this is done at the start of class (housekeeping is what I call it and add it any other announcements). 
• Put the commonly missed questions in a Google doc and share that link as well.  For online, include as part of the weekly message.  I also do an item  analysis and adjust accordingly if there was a problem that was too challenging; given the goal of these quizzes is to get their feet wet in the content to be prepared. 

Tip #7  Utilize Rubrics or Checklists for Students to Self Evaluate PRIOR to Submission

• Clear assignment directions and expectations outlined in a rubric, set the stage for assignment and grading success
• Use rubrics in canvas to click and score, giving feedback only on specific criterion to guide student learning and improvement. 
• Have students self-evaluate on rubric or complete check sheet PRIOR to submitting for feedback.  (this works well on large projects and group projects)

Tip #8  Peer Editing and/or Writing Center Visit

• Pair students for peer editing utilizing the rubric.  Allow students to give and receive feedback while building familiarity with the rubric and assignment requirements.
• Require a visit to the writing center for specific and individualized support

Tip #9  Whole class "Hit List" Mini-Lesson

• Read or grade approximately a third of the student papers, problems or questions.  Identify a specific skill, challenge or deficiency from the sample, your "Hit List". 
• Create a mini lesson targeted at directly teaching or reteaching items from the hit list with examples.  

Tip #10  Create a Comment Bank

• Create a bank (using a google sheet, doc, word doc, excel doc, etc) of common comments or phrases. 
• If you are writing the same feedback on multiple papers consider creating a comment bank of to copy and past from for efficiency.

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Bonus Tips!
​Top 5 Ways to Utilize Canvas for Feedback

Tip #1  Use Annotation Tools in SpeedGrader 

• Provide feedback directly on submitted assignments.  Highlight, comment, strikeout, delete, and add annotation all from SpeedGrader. ​

Tip #2  Audio Feedback in Canvas - submitted by Christopher Reider

• Supplement written feedback with audio recordings. 
  • Canvas allows you to embed it into the "assignment commentary" area.
  • Get a mic to plug in to USB for better optimal quality. 
• Audio Feedback works best in conjunction with some written element, such as a scored rubric, comments on a paper, etc.
• Audio feedback really saves time to be able to grade/comment in "written" form quickly, knowing you can hit "record" and lay down an audio track to go with the feedback so you can elaborate verbally.  Time saver for sure!

Tip #3  Video and Text Feedback in Canvas  

• Use SpeedGrader Comment Box to leave text, video or audio feedback in the Assignment Comments box.  For example, if you are leaving feedback on a portfolio, website or a paper, you can screencast walking through the document., providing the visual and audio at the same time.

Tip #4 Utilize Auto Feedback in Canvas Quiz Questions

• Multiple Choice Quizzes in Canvas allow you to give students feedback in the answer comments fields.   
• "Enter Feedback Text" by clicking the comment field beneath the answer and adding your comments.  

Tip #5  Message Students Who.....
One of my favorite Canvas features, because it allows you to selectively message students who

• Haven't submitted yet
• Haven't been graded 
• Scored less than [point value]
• Scored more than [point value] 

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​Contact the CTLA if you have any questions about Teaching, Learning, and/or Assessment!  To submit a request for assistance: https://ctla.cgc.edu/help.html

Have an AWESOME Tuesday,
Jennifer Peterson, CTLA Faculty Liaison