Teaching In The Margins:
Commenting On Student Writing

Print-Friendly Page
Authors & Contributors

Commenting happens on drafts as well as on final products. The best commenting takes account of where students are in their drafting/revising process and is an opportunity to actively continue the teaching process. A combination of notes both in the margins and at the end of students' papers gives students both big-picture feedback about what works well in the paper and specific pointers about where to concentrate their attention as they proceed with the next draft or the next assignment.

• Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Begin
• Insight from a Colleague