What earns marks.
WHAT TO OBTAIN
The marking criteria or rubric, if published.
WHY
It states what distinguishes each grade.
WHAT USUALLY DISTINGUISHES HIGHER GRADES
Analysis rather than description Engagement with the literature Independent thought Awareness of limitations and counter-arguments Clarity of structure
WHAT USUALLY LIMITS A GRADE
Describing rather than analysing Unsupported assertion Not answering the question Poor structure Referencing failures
WHAT TO DO WITH THE CRITERIA
Check your work against them, before submission.
WHAT TO NOTICE
Which criteria carry most weight.
WHAT TO ASK IF UNCLEAR
What the difference is between the grade you receive and the one above.
WHY THAT QUESTION
It produces specific, actionable guidance.
WHAT TO DO WITH RETURNED WORK
Read the comments, all of them.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Points appearing more than once, across assignments.
WHAT THAT INDICATES
A pattern, which is worth more attention than any single comment.
WHAT TO KEEP
Feedback, so patterns become visible.
