Seeking Opinions from Your Academic Mentors Regarding Your Academic Performance
In the bustling world of academia, a writing-heavy semester can often feel overwhelming. The Writing Process, a renowned publication, offers valuable insights in an article titled "How to Survive a Writing-heavy Semester," penned by Rafi Lehmann, the Social Sciences Correspondent.
The article delves into the often underutilised resource of professor feedback, particularly on final papers. Surprisingly, very few professors share feedback beyond the letter grade, but this need not deter students. Sending a polite and professional email asking for feedback on a final project can be beneficial, leading to personalised comments that could significantly improve your work.
The article includes a section titled "The Thrill of the Last Minute," emphasising the importance of not rushing through your work at the eleventh hour. It highlights that professors, as expert readers, writers, and researchers, have a wealth of knowledge to share.
Another section, "How to Complete Research Assignments during Quarantine," offers advice for students navigating their studies in the current pandemic climate. However, the article does not provide specific strategies for this section, nor does it specify the nature of the writing-heavy semester or the research assignments.
The article also sheds light on the individuality of each professor's approach to feedback. Each professor has their unique way of providing feedback, making it essential to approach them with respect and professionalism.
The author shares their own experience of receiving valuable writing feedback from after-semester email exchanges. This experience underscores the potential benefits of reaching out to professors, even after the semester has ended.
The article concludes with key steps to follow when requesting feedback from professors. Be clear, polite, and offer to meet if needed. Express gratitude, and use a professional sign-off. An example email snippet is provided for guidance.
It's worth noting that some institutions have formal processes or timelines related to grade appeals or feedback requests, so it's advisable to check any university guidelines around contacting professors after course completion. Writing centers or services might be available if detailed editing or coaching is required, but such services typically start once grading and defenses are complete.
Seeing a professor's feedback can make a student feel more comfortable reaching out to them in the future, making the learning process a more rewarding journey. So, don't hesitate to reach out and seize the opportunity to learn and grow from your professors' valuable insights.
A student may find solace in seeking feedback beyond the letter grade on their final junior paper, as doing so can lead to personalized comments that foster learning and self-development in education-and-self-development. By following the key steps outlined in The Writing Process' article titled "How to Survive a Writing-heavy Semester," students can leverage their professors' expertise and create an engaging learning experience.
