Grading and giving feedback

Grading and giving feedback are high stakes activities, the results of which can impact students both positively and negatively. Grading is the process by which we assess a student’s work in relation to the criteria set out for that work and provide a grade, based on how well the student has achieved those criteria. Feedback is the process of communicating our reasons for that grade and our advice to the student on how to improve their work for future assessment.

In order to be able to provide comprehensive, fair and consistent feedback, markers should:

• be very clear about the assessment task and the criteria against which it is being assessed
• understand the context in which the assessment has been set
• have agreed the general tone and amount of feedback given
• be aware of the ethical implications of grading and providing feedback, and the impact they can have on students’ learning