When reviewing student work, offer mastery-oriented feedback. Provide clear success criteria in the form of rubrics that assess the various skills and content required to demonstrate mastery of learning. Ensure that students are aware of your expectations for the course and how assignments build toward these goals. A simple list of skills to master can suffice in establishing goals that are clear and attainable (align your list to the specific standards, frameworks, or goals that your institution follows).

Have students self-assess their work after its been graded to determine their strengths and areas of improvement. Use this simple reflective record to organize student work in a portfolio and maintain a record of student progress. Students can review their reflective record before submitting other assignments (to self-assess their progress on their identified areas of improvement). If you’re implementing student-led conferences, this is an efficient way to get students prepared and organized throughout the course.

Through a digital worksheet and reflective prompt, have students embark on a reflective exercise that prompts them to consider their own strengths and areas of growth in the classroom. Students can select “glows” and “grows” from an extensive skill list that includes concepts to master in ELA and cross-curricular concepts and skills such as critical thinking, collaborative learning, and effective communication. This exercise culminates in the creation of SMART goals and action plans, empowering students to take their newfound knowledge and apply it to future challenges and is an especially effective way to mark the end of a quarter or semester.