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How to Respond to Writing and Give Effective Feedback

How to Respond to Writing and Give Effective Feedback

by Bonnie Thurber -
Number of replies: 0
Having students read and comment on peer work is extremely important. In the 21st Century it is an important skill that is not always easy to learn or teach. Here are some pointers from an iCollaboratory teacher.

How to Respond to Writing and Give Effective Feedback


1. Read the webpage, story or essay.
2. Jot down your “gut reactions” – no need for full sentences.
3. Reread the webpage, story or essay looking for specific devices such as personification, imagery, facts, etc.
4. Jot down your “academic reactions” – no need for full sentences.
5. Look over your reactions and write an effective and appropriate feedback statement.

A feedback statement should:
• Be in complete/proper sentences.
• Reflect your audience.
• Begin with a positive comment.
• Give specific examples from story or essay to support ideas.
• Use proper punctuation of titles and lines.

A feedback statement may:
• Ask the author a question about meaning or style.
• Explain your interpretation of the story’s or essay’s meaning
• Make connections to other writing, art, paintings, etc.
• Share your favorite lines.
• Discuss the use of literary devices.
• Comment on all the overall organization of the story or essay.
• Compliment word choice.