Feedback
Content
01 Introduction /
Task 1
02 Feedback
03 Writing skills
04 How is written work assessed? /
Task 2
05 Self-evaluation /
Task 3 /
Task 4
06 Presentation giving/Seminar participation
07 Finally.
- 01 Introduction
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Academic success is largely determined by your ability to demonstrate what you have learnt in relation to your subject area. In most disciplines, your understanding is usually assessed via formal written assignments or examinations. Sometimes you are assessed on your presentation skills or on your contribution to seminars and classes.
For many students, being assessed is usually considered something of an ordeal. Nobody really looks forward to being criticised and judged, and if the comments about our performance are severe, we know how crushing and damaging they can be to a fragile ego.
[Back to top] - 02 Feedback
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Knowing how to deal with criticism is of crucial importance to your success, not only in relation to your academic study, but also in relation to your performance in any future job or activity that involves others. Most of us are conditioned to regard criticism as something negative and yet if it is skilfully given, it should serve a very useful purpose. If we received no criticism about the way we did something, there would be little chance of us making any improvements to any skill or ability we are attempting to master.
Learning, then, involves being open to criticism and adopting a positive approach to feedback. No-one masters a skill without getting things wrong, but if we are guided in the right direction, told when something isn't working and when something is, then we stand a much greater chance of achieving success. Try then, not to take criticism too personally. It is meant to encourage you to improve on your abilities, to develop strengths and eliminate weaknesses wherever possible.
In common with the acquisition of any other complex skills, academic study is not always easy to 'get right'. However, it is important not to be too disheartened if you initially find that you are not receiving good grades. After all, the whole purpose of being at university is to learn and improve!
What is most important, is that you view feedback in a positive way and think of it as a necessary part of the whole learning process. If your tutor is able to point out your weaknesses and defects, then it can only be helpful for you. The next time you submit an assignment or give a presentation, you will have a clearer idea in relation to what you should and shouldn't do.
[Back to top] - 03 Writing skills
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Any kind of writing involves a constant process of practice, evaluation, adjustment, evaluation and re-adjustment. Most people, including professional writers, find it necessary to write in stages and many produce numerous draft versions of their work.
While it is expected at postgraduate degree level that students will submit regular drafts of their dissertation/thesis writing to their supervisors, it is less common at undergraduate degree level. However, if you are an undergraduate in need of a little extra help, it is always worth asking whether or not your tutor has time to look over a draft version of an assignment before the deadline in order to see whether or not you are 'heading in the right direction'.
If your tutor is too busy to read through a draft, it is always worth asking the opinions of others, especially trusted friends and classmates.
[Back to top] - 04 How is written work assessed?
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How is your written work evaluated by your tutors? Generally, you will be assessed according to a set of marking criteria. If your tutor has not already provided you with these criteria, then it is certainly worth checking in your departmental handbook; there you should be able to find out more about how grades are awarded.
[Back to top] - 05 Self-evaluation
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Even if you are unable to benefit from the feedback of others, you should always try to develop the ability to evaluate your own work at regular intervals.
Look back at any work you have submitted previously which has some detailed feedback in relation to your strengths and weaknesses and actively try to relate this feedback to any work in progress.
Reading your work with a critical eye is usually easier to do if you manage to finish writing an assignment a few days before the deadline and then distance yourself from it for a while. If you are able to leave the assignment for a couple of days and then go back to it with fresh eyes, it's so much easier to identify areas for improvement.
[Back to top] - 06 Presentation giving/Seminar participation
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Be sure to find out at the beginning of term how your progress will be assessed by your tutors. In most cases, as stated above, you will be assessed on your ability to write assignments, but you may equally find that you are graded on your ability to give good presentations and contribute effectively in seminar classes.
It is your responsibility, once you have identified how you are going to be assessed, to prepare yourself in the best possible way. If you have never given a presentation before, then take the opportunity to ask your lecturer to allow you to practise in class beforehand and ask to see a list of marking criteria. Practise presentation giving with your class-mates and try to give each other feedback. If you are going to be graded for seminar participation, then once again practise discussing topics outside of class with your classmates in an informal non-threatening situation where you can build up confidence in speaking out in front of others.
When giving feedback to your classmates, think about doing so in a positive, encouraging way. Use expressions such as, 'That's a great idea, but maybe you could consider doing this instead.', or else, 'Yes, that worked well, but how about changing a little so that.'. During seminars in particular, think about ways of giving encouragement to others, especially if you notice someone lacks confidence or is a little shy.
[Back to top] - 07 Finally.
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Remember, the purpose of feedback is not to destroy confidence and motivation, but rather to encourage you to fulfil your potential. This is worth bearing in mind the next time you receive an assignment - the more red pen the better!
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