Marking: Providing feedback
The provision of feedback is a formative process aimed largely at helping students learn. If there is not the potential to learn from the feedback, it is of little value to students. Biggs (2003, p 142) points out that 'Formative assessment is inseparable from teaching' while Rowntree (1987, p 24) suggests, 'Feedback, or 'knowledge of results' is the life-blood of learning'. In an on campus situation, feedback can be a whole class activity based on interactive dialogue, whereas off-campus students have traditionally relied on written individual feedback only. However the wider use of online systems provides opportunities for group feedback applicable to both on and off-campus students. When considering the nature and style of feedback to give in particular situations, keep in mind some underlying principles of good feedback practice, and the logistics of managing the marking process. The following activities are designed to help you:
