Responses from Western students about teacher comments

1. Responses from Western students about teacher comments Students were asked 5 questions regarding commenting on their essays. Responses were anonymous and taken from English 102 and the Writing Center

2. How do you respond to teacher comments on your essays? • It shows me they are reading it carefully. • They are there to improve your writing so I always ask for extra help understanding them. • I’m always offended at first, then I just look at the positive comments. • I’m anxious, want them but don’t. • When they are done in a positive, constructive way, they are more helpful.

3. What is most helpful about teacher comments? • They help with the current paper, but also future papers. • Encouragement. • Very specific examples help most. • Pro-active, positive, direct comments are most helpful. • Content and not grammar. • Comment in full sentences, not fragments.

4. What is least helpful? • Abbreviated remarks. Spell it out for me! • When they point out grammar errors. • When they circle things and don’t tell me why. • When teachers use a negative tone, it just makes me mad. • No explanations and no way to help you find the correct way. • Bad handwriting.

5. How do you feel about peer commenting? • Value teachers more. • Peers sometimes understand your point better than teachers. • Peers hold back and don’t want to tell you the truth. • Good students- good comments. Bad students- what’s the point? • It helps me because I get to see good and bad writing.

6. Does the color of ink matter to Western students? • No black or pencil- hard to read. • RED! When positive comments are in red, they looks great! • Any color other than black. • I expect red ink. If it isn’t red, I’m disappointed. • Red helps me pay attention. • Red stands out more. • Vivid non-red colors would be a nice change!