Suggestions for Commenting on Student Papers

From UCSB English Department Knowledge Base

Welcome to the English Department Knowledge Base at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The EDKB Wiki is a database that makes available the various interests, talents, and resources of the English Department community. See the Main Page to learn more about the EDKB. The wiki does not offer information on current course offerings, nor is it a comprehensive archive of materials related to all past courses. Visit the English Department home page for this type of information.

These were compiled by English Department TA Trainers.

• Give them as much information as you can before they turn in the paper. Tell them exactly what you are looking for.

• If you intend your comments to be construed as suggestions and advice, discuss this ahead of time with your students. Tell them that you consider your commenting as an opportunity to communicate with them on a 1-on-1 basis.

• Encourage students to view your remarks as suggestions rather than criticisms. When you make remarks on the papers, structure them as suggestions rather than criticisms. You may want to say something about the tone of your comments.

• Find something you can praise. Begin with this comment.

• Vary your praise comments.

• Write praise comments in larger letters than criticism comments.

• Avoid the word "but," especially after a positive comment.

• Don't be afraid to give the paper the grade it deserves.

• If you write your comments in a paragraph at the end of the student's paper, treat it as though you are giving the author suggestions for revising the paper.

• Use the student's name in association with positive comments.

• Consider typing up your comments to save time (and prevent hand cramps).

• Consider using grading rubrics to speed up the process and keep your evaluations consistent. See EDKB Wiki's Sample Rubrics.