1.3 Using Student Comments Thoughtfully

Student comments can add important context and detail to numerical scores, but they can also be emotionally challenging to read.

When reviewing comments, consider the following:

• Acknowledge your natural reaction. It’s normal to focus more strongly on negative comments. Recognizing that response can help reduce its impact.
• Look for themes, not individual remarks. One comment rarely tells the full story. Repeated ideas across comments are more meaningful.
• Separate emotion from information. Even emotionally worded comments may contain useful insight about course design, instruction, or communication.
• Be sure to notice positive feedback. Positive comments often highlight practices worth continuing or building upon—and they are just as important as areas for improvement.