At LSE, feedback and assessment can include class or coursework assessed at the formative and summative levels.

What is formative work

Formative work can be graded but it depends on the class teacher and what feedback they provide you with. The written feedback may include notes and comments to help you improve and develop. Summative work can include unseen written examinations, assessed essays and projects. They are usually the final form of assessment and mark your achievement level.

Formative assessment is essentially there to monitor student learning with feedback provided by teaching staff. This is meant to help students to improve their learning and essay writing. This form of coursework is not entirely compulsory but I would really recommend taking advantage of these opportunities to improve your writing skills and showcase your knowledge of the course so far.

Advantages of formative work

They include being able to help identify your strengths and weaknesses, particularly the specific areas that you need to work on. It would also inform your teachers where you are struggling and your teachers can address these problems in their feedback to you. Feedback on formative work at LSE is returned within three weeks of the submission deadline.

My experience with formative work

From my experience, although not compulsory, you will benefit a lot from completing your formative assignments as they will help you prepare for your summative and help you see what you may need to work on in the future. They are there to help and guide you, not to humiliate or embarrass you. Your feedback is also not a complete indication of what you may get in exam season because you’ll have time between the formative and summative to work on the areas that your teacher may suggest.

I would also use the mark scheme to guide your written work which will help you create a well-rounded piece of work which your teacher can be impressed with. Referencing is so important so do not neglect this. These are some tips to inform your writing so that your teacher can give you feedback which does not just highlight grammatical and simple errors that are quick fixes. To take advantage of formative feedback you need to focus on creating a good piece of work to give your teacher a good indication of where you are.

Overall benefits

Being at LSE can be quite a nerve-inducing experience which is why I think you will benefit from taking advantage of every opportunity presented to you. Complete your formative work to the best of your ability and then book office hours to discuss your feedback with your teacher. It is easy to say that you are going to improve but actively taking action towards it is the hard part which you must overcome.

Do not be afraid to take steps towards bettering yourself and your work. Make the most out of your time at LSE by writing your formatives and working on improving yourself. Do not hold back at university, otherwise, you end up selling yourself short when you are here to accomplish your full potential.