Getting the Most out of Your Assignment Feedback 

Feedback on your uni assignments is one of the best ways you can continue to learn and improve your grades. It helps you get a better grasp on what you’re good at and what areas you need to do more work on.  

Whether you love or hate getting assignment feedback, the trick is learning how to embrace your feedback in a positive way. Not only will this help you grow, but it also stops you from falling back into the same old habits. 

Here’s our tips to help get you started on making the most of your assignment feedback: 

Five ways to use your assignment feedback  

1. Take the time to read through it 

Getting grades back for an assignment can feel emotional, whether you are anxious to get feedback or more excited to see it. 

If you didn’t get the grade you expected and are feeling upset, it’s a good idea to stop and revisit your feedback later when you are calmer. In the heat of the moment, you might rush through the feedback and miss important details. Or you may misread it completely.  

Take a step back and give yourself a break. Organise some time when you can sit down and read through your assignment feedback carefully. This way you can make notes on anything you don’t understand.  

2. Follow up on your feedback 

If you’re not clear about certain comment or need further explanation on parts of your feedback, you should reach out to them with your questions.  

Your lecturers may put aside time after class to go over assignment feedback and answer your questions. If not, contact them and set up an appointment to discuss it with them 1-2-1. You can even ask them for examples of previous work, so that you can get a better idea of what strong academic writing looks like.  

This will give you a clearer picture on how to improve your work, so you can go into your next assignment feeling comfortable and confident. Just remember to take notes!  

3. Swap and discuss feedback with your course mates 

This isn’t about comparing yourself to others, but discussing feedback with your course mates can be a valuable tool to help you improve your learning and performance.  

Swapping notes on assignment feedback might show that there are common themes that everyone is finding challenging. You can then flag this with your lecturer as an area where everyone needs extra support.  

Taking to your course mates also gives you a chance to share successes. If you’re finding something difficult, getting to hear how someone else approached it and did well can be really helpful. For instance, if someone nailed their assignment’s structure, they may be able to share some tips on their writing process or what tools they use to get them there. 

4. Stay positive 

It’s important to keep an open mind and take a balanced view when you receive feedback. Make sure you celebrate the positive comments, while also taking in any constructive criticism. Both are valuable to help you grow and succeed at uni.   

Positive feedback can show you how much progress you have made, while the less positive feedback can help you see what you need to work on. Just remember, your lecturers are here to support you. They provide constructive criticism so that you can reach your full potential and graduate as the best version of yourself.  

5. Create an action plan  

Once you have a better idea on what areas you may need to work on, it’s useful to set some goals for any upcoming assignments. You might want to consider: 

• Set specific goals – for example, you could aim to use more primary resources, write more balanced arguments, or focus on improving your grammar and punctuation skills. 
• Create a timeline to reach your study goals – by making sure you give yourself enough time to focus on enhancing your skills in this area before your next assignment. 
• Get support – by attending Study Skills Workshops online or in-person. They cover everything from help with time management to writing an introduction and using evidence effectively.  
• Get feedback on your first draft – from our academic and Study Skills tutors. You can ask them to focus on checking your writing style, grammar, structure or even data analysis. 
• Monitor your progress – by checking your assignments and comparing them with your past feedback. This will help you stay on track and see the improvements you’re making.