Feedback

As students, we wait with baited breath for the comments from our lecturers.  What do they think of our work, did I pass or did I fail. Feedback is loved, dreaded and longed for all at once and can often make or break our time at universities.

What is feedback?

Feedback is the comments and grade you get on your assignments and other uni work.  It’s meant to show not only what you have learnt but what you still need learn.   Feedback can take many forms, from comments on your essays to verbal feedback, to numbers and grades against assessment criteria.

What Should I Expect

There are a number of things you should expect about your feedback.

  • That you receive feedback for all of your assessment
  • Your feedback should be constructive not destructive.  Your feedback should allow you to understand what you did right or wrong on your work and how to improve your performance into the future. 
Feedback is not an excuse for university staff to humiliate, bully or intimidate you.  If you think this is happening you should report it to the UCSA immediately.

  • Your feedback should be timely, that is it should come before you have to hand in your next assignment.  This is so you can use it to improve your performance on the next one
  • Your feedback should relate to the learning outcomes of the unit and its specific assessment criteria. (for more information on learning outcomes and criteria see Unit Outlines and Assessment)
  • You should be given the opportunity to discuss your grades, marks and feedback with your lecturers and tutors.  They should provide time for you to do this.

Who is responsible?

  • You are responsible for making sure you try and speak to your unit convenor about your feedback and any concerns you have with it.
  • Your Unit Convenor is responsible for ensuring that you receive timely and constructive feedback.

What if I have problems with my feedback?

If you have problems with your feedback you should make an appointment to discuss it with your unit convenor in the first instance.  If you are still not satisfied you should contact the UCSA to discuss your options.

Reporting poor feedback

While you should expect that your feedback complies with university policy, it has been the experience of the UCSA that not all does.   The UCSA relies on you to report poor feedback so that you and other students get the best quality education.

If you think your feedback doesn’t comply with university policy or is just plain shoddy you should report it immediately to the UCSA:

Call: (02) 6201 2000

Or drop by and see us on the concourse behind the UCSA logo.

Other information on assessment

Assessment

Grades

Moderation

Supplementary Assessment

Extensions and Deferred Assessment

See also

Unit Outlines

Other useful links

University Assessment Policy