Five Steps to Better Writing Feedback from a Professor

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:07:53 +0000

1. After the first class and before the next one, locate the professor’s office during office hours. Knock on the door, introduce yourself and the class you are taking. Based on the professor’s comments during the first class or based on the content of the syllabus, prepare a thoughtful question to ask or state why you have enrolled in the course. From this point, you may find it appropriate to continue the conversation or gracefully make your exit, having established a connection. This will make it easier to visit later on, as you have made an initial connection, and is especially important if you are enrolled in a large class. If your professor has teaching assistants, make sure to make their acquaintence, as well.

Initial Introduction Template: “Hi, my name is (insert your name here). I wanted to stop by to formally introduce myself because I am enrolled in your course: (insert the course name here) and would really like to improve/learn/ask (insert your goals, reflection, and/or question here) this semester. I really appreciated your comment in class (insert the comment here) because (insert your original thoughts on the topic here).”

2. Whether or not your professor is a fan of the “drop in” visit, after the introductory visit, you will find it beneficial to make an appointment to discuss a writing assignment. You may schedule this via email, via telephone, or via a quick chat before or after the class. Be sure to specify what days and times work best for you, and also how much time you would like to spend discussing your writing (I would suggest 15 or 30 minutes, and never more than 45 minutes at a time). This is a courtesy to the instructor, and also ensures that you will have the time needed to work on your writing.

3. If appropriate, tell the professor that you will email a copy of the paper you wish to discuss in advance of the meeting.

In the subject line, remind the professor of your meeting time: (Your Last Name) Writing Conference (Time) (Date)
In the body of the email, be sure to let the professor know what specific questions you have or what parts of the paper you are struggling with.

4. When the time for your meeting comes, be punctual and prepared

Come with two hard copies of the paper you wish to discuss (one for you and one for the professor). If you are struggling with idea-generation, come with an attempted brainstorm or be prepared to discuss your areas of interest/confusion regarding the assignment.
Prepare to take notes or record the conference (be sure to ask for permission) so that you can remember the details.
Clearly state what you hope to get out of the meeting at the beginning, and let the professor know what kind of guidance you would like to receive from him/her.
- Example: “I’m here today because I’ve been struggling with the first response assignment, and I would like to receive clarification on your expectations”
- Example: “I’m here today because I would like to have you look at a draft of my research project. I feel as if I am not being truly original, and I don’t know how best to go forward with this project. It would be really helpful if you could start by reading over my thesis statement and concluding paragraphs.”

5. When your allotted time has passed, assess and plan.

Attempt to rephrase what you have learned from the professor during the writing conference. If you have a misunderstanding, this is a chance for the professor to correct it.
If appropriate, ask the professor if he/she would help you to set a goal for the assignment and if he/she would meet with you again to go over your progress.

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Five Steps to Better Writing Feedback from a Professor