SuggestionsforGradingandFeedbackinLawCourses

Law Teaching Network (LTN) and Teaching and Learning Services (TLS)

Example A: In her Common Law Property course, Professor Kirsten Anker provides students with a peer review feedback sheet to guide their feedback on other students’ draft essays. Focusing on the instructor’s criteria for the assignment as feedback givers as well as recipients can help students to improve their papers prior to turning in a final copy.

Articulation of a practicable thesis

Is the thesis original, well defined, not too general or vague? Does it address the question?

Synthesis of main ideas in analysis

Does the paper make novel and useful connections between ideas, or is there a tendency to summarise?

Relevant and compelling arguments

Do the arguments convincingly evaluate the material and entertain contrary perspectives? Do they effectively answer the question?

Use of course materials and examples

Are the materials effectively used to support the arguments? Is there a reasonable range of examples? Is the choice of examples well defended?

Clear structure and logical progression of ideas

Is there good use of “signposts”, smooth transitions, topic sentences? Is there an introduction and conclusion?

Appropriate writing style free of errors

Are quotes well integrated? Is the expression appropriate to the chosen format? Does the sentence structure read well? Does the style engage the reader? Is the vocabulary varied and imaginative?

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