Diagnostic Feedback without a Grade

Don't put a grade on an assignment; just provide descriptive feedback about where student is, where they need to be and how to get there.

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. 


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