Written Feedback on Midterm Scripts: Students’ Expectations, Problems and Preferences

Abstract

Considering the increasing importance of written feedback (WF) on students’ scripts in education nowadays in Bangladesh, this research paper aimed to find out students’ expectations and problems regarding the written feedback provided on their midterm scripts by teachers. It also aimed to find out preferences of students in light of their expectations for making this process more effective. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from students (1st year to master’s) of the Department of English, X University (pseudonym for a public university) through questionnaire and two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). There were 86 participants in total (78 respondents of the questionnaire and 8 participants in the FGDs). The study found out that although students expect written feedback on their scripts, they are more interested to check their marks. It also found that some students expect corrections by teachers without trying on their own. Regarding problems faced by students, it was found that many students do not understand feedback with signs and symbols. The findings of this paper indicate that preferences of students should be taken into account by teachers and others concerned to make the process written feedback effective for students.

Teachers’ Written Feedback on Digital Answer Scripts during COVID-19: Views, Preferences, and Expectations of the EFL Students

“…It indicates that many students are not taking the feedback seriously which is a big concern. Biswas (2020) argues that the tendency of overlooking the feedback can be changed if a follow-up activity is set by the teacher. It can be expected that the follow-up activity will ensure that all the students are going through the comments and reflecting on them.…”

“…The questionnaire had two sections; student's general profile (Current trimester, CGPA, and Gender) and the second part contained fifteen questions regarding the views, preferences and expectations of the students regarding written feedback on digital answer scripts. The survey questionnaire was developed following the similar kind of research conducted by the other researchers (Biswas, 2020 andShorna &Suchona, 2020). However, the questionnaire was modified to serve the purpose of this research.…”

“…Present scenario in the students' attitude towards feedback on the written examinations scripts, provided by the teachers in Bangladeshi universities leave much to be desired (Biswas, 2020). For most of the students, feedback is mostly ignored and the emphasis is on scores/grades.…”

“…Although previous research (Biswas, 2020;Mahfoodh, 2007;Tri Adhi Kencana, 2020;Irwin, 2018) has been conducted on the students' views and preferences regarding the feedback in the paperbased examination scripts in the face-to-face classes, the perspective of students receiving feedback in the digital answer scripts during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been explored. The uniqueness of providing feedback in the digital answer scripts needs special attention during the age of online teaching-learning practices.…”

“…The study by Biswas (2020) aimed to find out students' expectations and problems with written feedback provided by the teachers. Data were collected from eighty-six participants of the Department of English from a Bangladeshi private university through h questionnaire and FGD.…”