What are Different Kinds of Feedback That Help You Improve in College?

You've been told about your professor's feedback after looking at your essay, and it can be written or oral. It can come in many forms, and you must not have trepidation about it. For one, feedback will enable to unlock your untapped potential.

You might have capabilities that you're unaware of all this time. If you look at it constructively, then it will help you become a better student in the shortest time. You'll likely recall the not-so-flattering ones (such as not having an opinion of your own). It's human nature, but you must know a few things.

Feedback doesn't mean that you should imagine yourself as a rhinoceros, with thick skin that can withstand the extreme conditions and possible attack from predators. In your case, there's no need to repeat on a series of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" quotes or call your family (and tell you that they still love you). They are remarks that should be your guideline for your succeeding assignments. You'll be able to manage the coursework with ease if you follow it. Another thing is that perception about feedback being linked to your professors. It doesn't make them more intimidating than you suspect all along. On the contrary, it should encourage you to approach them more frequently. It's a hint that you must adopt a proactive approach to the situation. Lastly, it's a reminder that you're as good as your last assignment. It applies to your essay with a good mark, though.

Let's recognize the different kinds of feedback. It can be your professor discussing a previous assignment (or a just-concluded examination). It can also be your one-on-one session with your tutor. It can refer to a questionnaire, an exercise that you must do during the final week of the term. It can be your professor (or tutor) weighing on the different problems encountered frequently by students. It can refer to a casual conversation between you and your coursemates as well.

Here are the 5 Different Kinds of Feedback

You must not expect the worst from your professor. You won't hear remarks like "Your English was atrocious!", as your professors have been in your shoes. Don't get your hopes too high, as you'll likely hear the usual feedback such as your paper is too short. It means one thing: Creativity isn't the only thing you need to become a good writer. You must follow certain rules, even adopt a number of techniques, which you may or may not master after two or three papers. It depends on your comprehension and your willingness to let go of habits. (You cling to a habit despite the signs that you have to let it go.) It's for your best interest, so do it now if you don't want to prolong your struggle.

You should look forward to your meeting with your tutor. The discussion won't revolve around your next holiday or an upcoming cultural event in your area. Expect your tutor to monitor your progress in your coursework, if you manage to adapt to the university life in a short (or longer) time. You can count on the subject of paper writing to be brought up (during the conversation). After all, your admissions essay would be one of the criteria for the unconditional offer. At this point, you must trust your tutor. It's fine if you have doubts, especially in the literary discussion. Keep in mind that experience is the best teacher.

A questionnaire is an exercise that shouldn't be taken for granted. There are three objectives that can be achieved after the students answer the questionnaire, namely how the module can be improved for the succeeding batch of students, how can the existing sources in the university be more accessible (or be made better for the next students), and what can the faculty do (to make such improvement). You're hesitant to answer it truthfully, but there are two things to it. If it's a complaint about a certain aspect of the module, then there's nothing to be scared of. If you have an issue with any member of the faculty, it would be wise to have a one-on-one with that person.

What can your professor (or tutor) discuss with you? Teenage students (like you) have a myriad of problems to deal with, and most of which has nothing to do with pressing matters related to the coursework. It can be isolation (and possibly depression), as you might have a hard time finding company. It can also be the frequent case of being awkward in the presence of people you hardly know. It can be study habits as well. Don't be embarrassed to share your thoughts, even if they're trivial by nature. It may turn out to be helpful to another student, and it doesn't have to be strictly academic (like cross-genre, classification essay topics, and possible extension of Reading Week).

A casual conversation can lead to something. You'll never know until you find it out. It has nothing to do with a missing student, but rather how you and your coursemates deal with the coursework. How to cope with the pressure will be a frequent topic of conversation. You might never run out of something new, which you can apply to your own routine.

What You Can Achieve If You Follow the Above Suggestions

You won't be afraid of feedback. As a matter of fact, you'll be encouraged to participate in more discussion. You can't wait for your next session with your tutor, but check out the schedule first.

You'll be confident about your handling of the coursework, which will be plus on your side. It prepares you for the most challenging moment of the term when you have to deal with a succession of deadlines and examinations. Are you lacking sleep from it? No problem at all.

You'll be more open with other students, even gaining new friends along the way. Try to be supportive, if not understand their shortcomings.