During the course of your time at LSE, your class teachers will give you many opportunities to practice and hone your skills to achieve the best results in your summative assignments. Though the formative coursework does not count towards your final mark, teachers highly recommend you take it seriously, as it enables you to practice your writing skills, while getting an idea of the examiner’s expectations. Here are some critical tips to get the most out of your formative feedback!
Read your feedback
This seems like such a basic tip but sometimes people often miss out on it. Instead of forgetting about your formative coursework once you have finished, carefully read the comments your teacher wrote and reflect upon them. Do you agree or disagree with their feedback? If not, consider talking to them during office hours.
Book an office hour
If there is anything you don’t understand from your examiner’s feedback, booking an office hour can clarify any questions and concerns you have to improve your writing next time. Sometimes the attention you receive in your lectures and seminars is insufficient so an office hour gives you an opportunity to talk one-to-one with your class teacher and get specific questions answered.
Re-writing your essay
After carefully looking at your feedback, you may find it useful to re-write some or all of your essay according to the feedback you have received. Combining this tip with the previous one, your class teacher may be willing to look over your “new” essay and let you know what you did well and what you can improve upon. Slowly but surely, you will improve your skills!
Seek additional help
If you want even more feedback, you can further discuss your essay with your classmates, students from the year above, your mentor and even LSE LIFE! Keep in mind that the more people you ask, the more likely some of their feedback may contrast. Nonetheless, this will give you an idea of how examiners, themselves, may have contradicting perspectives on your work.