Got your marks back? Here’s how to make the most of them
Published on 20 February 15
Getting exam or essays back can be really discouraging if you didn't do as well as you'd hoped. We talked to academics, support staff, and graduates about how to work better and improve grades.
Make sure you understand your mark
Understanding how you got the mark you did is the first step towards improving on it next time. Look at your mark and break it down. In particular, see where you have fallen short in each individual section, jot down some notes and particular questions that you may not understand arising from feedback.
Meet with your tutor and ask for further detailed feedback if you feel you need it. Consider the marking criteria in your next assignment/exam and probe your tutors with more detailed questions related to the topic area that is being assessed.
Dr. Laurel MacKenzie, Lecturer in English Linguistics says, "Feedback is the first step toward improving your work. Don't take your feedback personally; instead, see it productively. Rather than focusing on what you've done wrong, use your feedback to help make your work even stronger the next time around. The most successful students are those who listen to and learn from comments on their work."
Talk to your tutors
They read and marked your essays so they will know exactly where you went wrong and can help you improve for next time. "If you feel the feedback provided is not useful or there is not enough, you can contact your academic adviser or the lecturer for further advice. Although it may seem awkward or uncomfortable discussing your work, especially if you are not happy with your grade, they are often invaluable sessions which can help your progression" advises graduate, Jess Fox.
Although you will not be provided feedback on exams your school will let you see your exam scripts for free, though you will not be allowed to take them away, and there should be written comments on your paper. If you are unsure about any of your exam feedback you can speak to your Academic Adviser and they can talk you through it.
Stay positive and proactive
Not doing as well as you hoped can be disappointing, but having a negative attitude rather than looking for ways to improve can limit your progress.
"We can all improve, even academics." Says Dr. Gianpaolo Vignali. "If you approach your marks with a positive inclination and not from the point of view that you are unhappy with it, you will definitely get more out of it. Look at your assessments as something to be improved upon over a period of time, so that when you graduate you will be at the pinnacle of your area."
Keep talking to your tutors and supervisors
Tutors aren't just there for feedback; talk to them through your writing process, bring them extracts to read, and discuss ideas.
"This is very important, because all the taught coursework you undertake will assist in writing the final dissertation. Improvements in style, organisation and how you methodically address a problem are all key aims of the coursework and have a direct impact on your final project. Finally, it's important during your final dissertation to get ongoing feedback; understand that no one knows everything and be open to constructive criticism to yield better final results. The academic staff are there to advise and guide you, so make good use of them!" Comments Professor Jonathan Redfern.
Teaching and Learning Support Adviser, Will Carey adds: "Make the most of people here and be prepared to talk to them – talking with staff and students is a great way to identify what you’ve done that is good and where to improve for next time. To make the most of these conversations, try to think about some questions in advance that will help you understand the feedback even more."
Use University resources
We have a number of support resources to help you get the best out of your learning experience.
The Library’s My Learning Essentials include online resources and workshops to help with your personal and professional development.
The sessions can be on things like essay structuring, referencing, interactive introductions to assessment centres, writing cover letters and other useful things. While a lot are hands-on sessions there are also online tutorials or interactive guides, so you don’t even have to leave the house to get the information you need!
To get in the habit of academic writing, or if you’re about to pen your dissertation, Phrasebank can also be an invaluable resource.
Finally, to find out more about how to get your exam results, and the process of your paper being marked, see the Crucial Guide Live.