This blog post has come about through conversations textile assessors had during the last assessment event. It was noted that frequently students did not use the advice given by their tutor in the feedback documentation. We saw instances of where if students had emended their work in line with the tutor feedback they could have achieved a higher mark at assessment. OCA students are in a unique position in that they regularly receive extensive written feedback during each unit (course) studied. The Tutor Report explains to the student where they are doing well and the places where improvements could be made. Often included are suggestions and pointers in how to develop both strengths and weaker areas. Giving the student the opportunity to make improvements to the assignment they have just completed.

I have put together a list of suggested ways OCA students can explore and pull apart their feedback forms to extract the information.

• Firstly print out the Tutor Report document or enable the document to be annotated on your PC.
• Read it carefully.
• Read it again this time highlighting areas of importance. For example strengths, weaknesses and suggested changes.
• Read it again this time alongside the assessment criteria noting down any language that suggests you are at a particular level. (Tutors use the assessment criteria to judge the kind of feedback you require)
• Look at the Tutor Report with your notes along side the assignment it refers to.
• Lay out your work looking for the places your tutor has indicated for change.
• Make notes on what you see. Can you see what your tutor sees?
• Make further notes on how you could go about meeting the suggestions made or making improvements to the assignment.
• Talk the assignment and feedback over with another student (via Facebook or a student forum) or a friend/member of your family.
• Make your changes to the assignment.
• Reflect on how this process has helped you improve your assignment.
• Place both the Tutor Report and your notes in your learning log.
• Write up the changes you have made to the work and reflect upon the outcomes.

These are not hard and fast rules. My hope is that this list will offer guidance and a framework for you to effectively use your Tutor Reports.

If when you have gone through this process or something similar and you find there is something that still remains a mystery to you contact your tutor for clarification.

For further information on how to improve your work look out for OCA blog posts where tutors discuss specific students work. For example the audio piece with images about the work of Ruth Goury on the 13^th July 2015. Here I discuss how Ruth has used the design process to achieve some exciting outcomes. While watching the item make notes that you can add to your learning log and use to improve or develop your own work.

Please add comments to this post on how you effectively use your Tutor Reports that you think other students may find helpful. If you are a tutor it would be great to have your voice in this conversation too : )

Rebecca Fairley. OCA Textile Course Leader, Tutor and Assessor