It isn’t enough to get graded on your work. You need to have a working knowledge of what your instructor is looking for on assignments, and if you’re making positive progress in that direction. If you’re enrolled in more than a couple of classes now it is a good idea to keep tabs on their feedback by tracking it in a spreadsheet, or a unique folder system.
The great professors always provide some type of commentary on your discussion posts, papers, or graded assignments. While you may be an exemplary student, there is always room to grow. For each pointed piece of feedback you receive make sure to read it thoroughly and then note the items they circled. If you need to work more on your inline citations, or connecting the weekly readings to real-life examples, then make those points to work on. If your goal in the class is to receive an A or a B then you’ll need to make some changes if what you’re doing isn’t working.
Categorize the instructor feedback by topic. If it is just citing your work, then spend more time visiting the Purdue OWL. When you have issues concerning context then you may possibly need to make a better outline. Sometimes we rush into a topic we know little about and then come out the other end with a mediocre product that displays a lack of original thought. When you’re working on improving upon your papers and it comes across that you’re not connecting the concepts together it may be something as simple as organizing your thoughts, or you may need to spend more time reading and researching.
Another area to focus on is keywords. In your assignments look for the keywords. While the description for each assignment may only be a sentence long, there are context clues within that text that shed light on what the instructor is expecting to find in your submitted work. Some instructors are nitpicky about the use of certain words. So, if you notice a few words changed in your next paper take note on which ones they picked. While it may seem trivial to you, it means something to them.
Whenever you’re in doubt about a comment or a change, ask the instructor. Don’t be shy about questioning their feedback. This is really your opportunity to hear back from the instructor on something you created, and if it’s not working then you need to find out how to make yourself a success in that class.
By J. Mason
Online Learning Tips Editor
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