Lindsay E. Lassen, M.ed. Shannon l. meers, mat, med. Instructor Feedback 2.0: Shifting from Grammar-Based to Content-Based Feedback Lindsay E. Lassen, M.ed. Shannon l. meers, mat, med.

Objective: To promote student agency through enhancement of feedback on student composition through out the writing process.

Activity #1 Using the student sample essay, take a moment to grade this as you usually would for your class.

Promote Student Agency To allow students to express their voice, demonstrate their critical thinking, and analyze learned concepts through discourse. To allow students to construct their own meanings of course content.

Feedback Grammar-Based Traits Content-Based Traits Identification of: Punctuation errors Spelling and usage errors Sentence structure errors Diction Focuses on critical thought Links support to central focus or thesis Encourages development of ideas Connects student’s ideas with support from the text

Good teachers mark all grammar and language errors. Myth #1 Busted: Good teachers mark all grammar and language errors.

What is the outcome? Students maybe learn to use commas effectively (which they will forget before the very next essay) Student agency is compromised and limited.

Commenting on only the final draft is a best practice. Myth #2 Busted: Commenting on only the final draft is a best practice.

During the writing process: Engage in conversations with your students throughout the draft process: Content development Thesis statements Supports Questioning to prompt student agency Meaning construction Grammar Punctuation Fluidity

The more problems identified in the paper the better. Myth #3 Busted: The more problems identified in the paper the better.

Quality over Quantity Focusing on giving specific and constructive feedback to encourage student Comment on student’s strengths and what they did correctly. Rather than commenting in the margins, place comments at the end of the writing.

Round #2 Using a more content-based approach grade and comment on the student work sample.

What’s the outcome? Holds students accountable for their own content Allows students to demonstrate their critical thinking skills Promotes student agency