In Practice

Tips and Tricks

• The sooner you provide feedback, the more effective it is
• Don't neglect the benefits of generalised feedback
• Try to give feedback that students can use later in the same course
• Give feedback when students do good things too —not just when they get things wrong
• Give students the benefit of the doubt
• Have an assessment plan for each unit and use it to help you focus on your teaching goals
• Focus on generic skills
• Never give only a grade or mark
• Your marking habits and criteria send a message, so make sure it's a good one!
• Focus on the work, not the student, and try to be positive
• If you use teams of tutors, set aside regular times to train them
• Look for and reward talent — not right or wrong answers
• Don't over assess!