AUA Faculty Participate in Workshop to Improve Effectiveness of Feedback on Written Work

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On April 17, faculty from across disciplines at the American University of Armenia (AUA) gathered to exchange ideas to improve student learning by providing students critical feedback on their written work. The workshop, organized by AUA’s General Education, was facilitated by Christopher Edling, clinical associate professor in the Expository Writing Program Department at the New York University College of Arts and Sciences. He is currently in Armenia as a Fulbright Scholar, spending much of his time at AUA.

During the workshop, participants shared and discussed the strategies they find most effective to help students continue to improve writing skills. These included providing students with clarity regarding areas in which they are doing well, which is periodically overlooked, while highlighting specific areas requiring greater attention for development. Faculty noted the importance of providing guidance to students regarding how to use rubrics and using feedback to foster a growth mindset. 

Anna Gevorgyan, an adjunct lecturer, mentioned: “The workshop was a great chance for me to revisit the process of providing feedback on student writing. I was pleased to get confirmation of some of my own feedback practices, but I also learned a number of fantastic ideas that I am eager to try with my students.” 

Faculty also discussed the importance of providing feedback in timely and efficient ways in order to ensure that students are provided ample time to utilize feedback in subsequent work. 

“Providing effective, timely feedback to students is the cornerstone of teaching,” noted Freshman Seminar coordinator and General Education Advisor Suzanne Daghlian. “It helps students learn by recognizing their strengths, as well as what needs attention, so that they can focus on areas that require additional work. This workshop offered faculty the chance to share good practices. We hope this will enhance student learning.” 

Faculty also compared and assessed sample feedback and reviewed relevant literature from writing studies scholars such as Dr. Nicole Wallack, director of Columbia University’s Undergraduate Writing program, and Dr. Nancy Sommers, an instructor in Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.