Responding to Students’ Writing

It is often difficult to motivate students to write. It is important, therefore, to provide appropriate feedback to students’ writing. Attention must be given to errors and poor writing, but in ways that do not inhibit students from writing.
Here are four guidelines to use when responding to students’ writing.

  1. Pose questions that prompt students to elaborate upon and further explain what they have written.
  2. Provide specific advice as to how students can improve what they have written.
  3. Correct students’ errors in their use of syntax and grammar.
  4. Evaluate the content and style of what students have written. This provides the basis for the grade you assign.

Above all, avoid overwhelming students with too many comments, and look for ways in which you can provide praise.