‘Cards Against’ Feedback
This activity was designed for an academic and study skills workshop, 'Making the Most of Feedback'. This is a game based on the infamous card game 'Cards Against Humanity' (but without the extremely offensive content!). 20-30 mins activity. Split students into groups of 3-4 (ideally 4). There are 12 blue cards which should be cut up, shuffled, and placed face down in the centre of the table. Each blue card presents a situation related to receiving feedback on assessed work. There are 36 orange cards, which should be cut up, shuffled and dealt out to all students. Each orange card gives a response a student could have to each of the situations on the blue cards. Some are 'good' responses, some are 'bad' responses, and some are blank so they student can write their own response. Each student takes a turn at selecting a blue card from the centre of the table. They read out the situation from the card and ask the other students in their group for an appropriate response to the situation. For example, a blue card might read 'Your feedback is: You have not addressed the question/title. What is the best response?'. The other students around the table then select an orange card from their hand which they think best suits the feedback situation. For example, an orange card might read 'Re-write the assignment brief in simple / another language to check understanding', or 'PANIC!'. Once each student has selected an orange card, they play that card, face up, on the table. The student who selected the blue card then chooses which orange response card was the best, giving a reason why they think this is the best solution, and explaining how they might go about implementing the solution. The student who played the winning orange card take the blue situation card. Play continues with each student taking a turn at selecting the blue card and judging the best answer from the other students' responses. Play is finished when all blue cards have been drawn and won. The winning student is the one with the most blue cards in their possession at the end of the game. Online version(s):
1. Translate into a Kahoot quiz with the situation as the question, and 4 different response options the students can choose from. There can be multiple correct answers (e.g. for the situation 'Your feedback is: You have not addressed the question/title. What is the best response?', answers could include 'Re-write the assignment brief in simple / another language to check understanding', 'Highlight and define the instruction verb(s) in the assignment brief' and 'Analyse the assignment learning outcomes'. The proportion of votes will demonstrate which solution most students deem favourable, and discussion can follow as to why they selected this answer.
2. Use a programme like Padlet to create an online space for student collaboration. Write each situation in a comment/sticky note on the padlet, and ask students to use the comment thread to write in what their response would be in each situation. Ask students to use the 'like' or 'upvote' function to select another student response they think is good, and add a comment explaining why this is a good solution. This version encourages students to think up their own responses and reflect on previous behaviour in response to assignment feedback.* Please note that some of the orange response cards reflect the specific study skills workshops and provision at MMU, and you will need to change these to align with the provision at your institution.*
Feedback action planning sheet
To understand sources and types of feedback. To encourage engagement with assessment criteria. To reflect on student behaviours facilitating/impairing performance in assignments. To utilise feedback for action planning
Essay writing pack
A downloadable workbook for students which can be tailored to different essay questions. The workbook structures enables the essay to be structured in an orderly way, allowing for the process to be learned as the assignment is completed.
Activity time: Varies
Types of media: Helpsheet, Word Document, Interactive Learning Object
Memory and exams
A series of PowerPoint slides on memory and revision techniques. It also includes suggestions for activities following on from the presentation.
Assignment Paraphrase
Based on the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) approach, this resource prompts students to consider the assignment question and discuss the ways in which they would answer it prior to beginning writing. A full understanding of the assignment title or question is crucial to obtain the best possible mark.
Activity time: 20 minutes
Types of media: Handout/s, Webpage, Helpsheet, Word Document
Revision techniques podcast
This resource, a podcast, offers advice on revision techniques and dealing with examination stress. This includes varying peer-to-peer tips, as well as lecturer guidance.
Academic writing for exams podcast
This resource features a podcast which focuses upon academic writing technique. The podcast particularly concerns lecturer feedback regarding the importance of focusing on the essay title given.
Checking your assignments’ references
This resource highlights the importance of referencing to the overall assignment quality. The resource directs students to proof-read their work and identify correct use of referencing in the main body of the essay, as well as in the reference list itself.
Maths instruction words
This resource identifies the key terms used in Mathematics assignments, defining them in a way in which assists student understanding of assignment titles and questions.
Instruction words in essay questions
This resource prompts students to initially consider what the assignment question is asking directly, by identifying key phrases. Although variant upon subject, the resource identifies general definitions for key words commonly utilised within essay questions.
Brainstorming ideas for your assessment
This resource offers the 'mindmapping' or 'spider-diagram' technique as an initial assignment planning method. This method also prompts the student to consider the research process, and deadlines by which reading and note-taking should be completed.
Revising for maths assessments
This resource offers tips in preparation for Maths assessments which may help students to improve their work.
Learning from your assessment feedback
Highlighting the importance of assessment feedback, this resource offers advice on how students may make the most out of any comments received. Guidance includes reading feedback as soon as it is received, keeping a learning journal and forming action plans.
Activity time: 30 minutes
Types of media: Handout/s, Webpage, Helpsheet, Word Document
Assessment: Step-by-step
This resource offers guidance for students on achieving the best possible marks in assessments. Tips include understanding the question or brief, practicality, an awareness of assessment criteria, planning and previous feedback.
The Assignment Survival Kit
This interactive learning resource provides a step-by-step breakdown of the separate tasks and planning involved within the completion of an assignment. Indications of deadlines for each task, such as initially understanding the question and locating research material, are offered in order to help simplify the workload.
Top 10 tips on Self, Peer and Group Assessment
Self and peer assessment helps students to understand assessment criteria by their application of the criteria to their own and other students’ work. Includes tips for designing effective assessments.
Top 10 tips on Self-assessment Sheets
This resource discusses the dialogue between staff and students about written feedback. Includes tips to help develop effective feedback forms, with a particular focus on designing the sheets and how to initiate student responses.
Top 10 tips on Inclusive Assessment
This resource includes tips on how to ensure the needs of students with disabilities are considered when designing learning assessments. Particular points of consideration regarding common types of disability are highlighted.
Top 10 tips on Diversifying Assessment
This resource provides tips with ideas for alternative types of assessment (such as case-studies, groupwork and practicals) and how this may help to engage students and develop their skillset.
Top 10 tips on Deterring Plagiarism
This resource includes tips on how to prevent and eradicate the appeal for plagiarism. Ideas for task and assessment design are suggested, with a particular focus on the research process.
Top 10 tips on Designing Assessment Tasks
This resource includes tips on designing assessments with particular focuses on learning outcomes, and assessment criteria.
Top 10 tips on Assessment for Learning
20 minutes
Using essay feedback workshop
This resource includes further resources detailing the importance of feedback and how students can make the most of any feedback received, in order to improve their work.
Activity time: 1 Hour
Types of media: Handout/s, Webpage, Helpsheet, Slides, PowerPoint File, Word Document
Assessment Introduction workshop
This resource details key assessment pointers, including basic assessment principles and the implications of current design.
Activity time: 1 Hour
Types of media: Handout/s, Webpage, Helpsheet, Slides, PowerPoint File, Word Document