Diagnostic Feedback without a Grade

Strategy Summary

Students often ignore descriptive feedback when it is attached to a grade. This simple strategy encourages students to focus on their learning process and growth rather than on just their performance, thus promoting a growth mindset. 

How to

1. Communicate in writing where students are, where they need to be, and how to close the gap.
2. Do not give a grade.
3. Students improve their work based on teacher’s comments rather than focusing on a grade.

Note: This works particularly well if you assign work that builds on itself over time, i.e., that involves revision.