When students submit assignments/write tests, they eagerly look forward to feedback. A mere score like 5/10 means nothing; comments like “satisfactory” or “can do better” add insult to injury as they sound highly impersonal. From my personal experience as a student at Stella Maris College and later as lecturer at Ethiraj College, I learnt the strategy of motivating students through feedback.

My test paper on Shakespeare was returned with the following remark: “Saraswathi, your organization of ideas is excellent. You have planned it very well. Could you give some more examples to substantiate your ideas? That would enhance the merit of your essay.” When I read the remark, I was on cloud nine. Here was a teacher who cared for me as an individual. I felt she was speaking to me. Secondly, she focused on my merits and thus created in me a frame of mind to accept her criticism. Later as a teacher and research guide, I adopted the same strategy which paid its dividends. Even to this day, my students happily remember my “post-scripts”.

Saraswathi’s wisdom wall: personalize your feedback. Be positive first; let negative comments come later. Remarks are more valuable than marks.

Bonus tip: the secret of a successful teacher is caring and sharing.