How to Provide Effective Feedback For Learning

Blog

How to Provide Effective Feedback For Learning

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools educators have to enhance student learning. When done effectively, it not only clarifies what students are doing right and wrong but also motivates them to improve and grow.

However, providing meaningful feedback requires a thoughtful approach that balances encouragement, clarity, and sensitivity. Here’s a guide to delivering feedback that truly supports learning:

1. Focus on What’s Right and What’s Wrong
Effective feedback involves highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses in a student’s work. Start by acknowledging what they’ve done correctly—this reinforces positive behaviors and builds confidence. Then, gently address areas for improvement, ensuring your feedback is specific and actionable.

Example: Instead of saying, “Your essay needs work,” try, “Your introduction is clear and engaging, which is great! However, the argument in the second paragraph could be stronger if you include more evidence to support your point.” By emphasizing correct actions and providing clear examples, students can better understand how to improve.

2. Provide Immediate Feedback
Timing is critical when it comes to feedback. Immediate feedback, given right after a student demonstrates their learning, leads to better retention and more positive responses. When students receive feedback promptly, they can easily connect it to their actions and make adjustments while the material is still fresh in their minds.

Example: After a class presentation, offer quick verbal feedback on what went well and what could be improved. This helps students reflect on their performance while it’s still relevant. Delayed feedback, on the other hand, can create a disconnect between the feedback and the action, reducing its effectiveness.

3. Tailor Feedback to Individual Needs
Every student is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to feedback rarely works. In diverse classrooms, some students may need encouragement to push their boundaries, while others may require gentle handling to protect their self-esteem. Understanding each student’s personality, learning style, and emotional needs is key to providing feedback that resonates.

For confident students: Challenge them with constructive criticism and higher expectations.
For hesitant students: Focus on their progress and offer encouragement to build their confidence.

4. Balance Encouragement and Sensitivity
Feedback should inspire growth, not discourage effort. Striking the right balance between encouragement and constructive criticism is essential.

Encouragement: Celebrate successes, no matter how small. Phrases like “You’re on the right track!” or “I can see how much effort you put into this” can motivate students to keep trying.
Sensitivity: Be mindful of how you deliver criticism. Frame it in a way that focuses on improvement rather than failure. For example, instead of saying, “This is wrong,” try, “Let’s see how we can make this even better.”

Providing effective feedback is both an art and a science. It requires clarity, timeliness, and a deep understanding of each student’s needs. By focusing on what students are doing right, addressing areas for improvement with sensitivity, and tailoring feedback to individual learners, educators can create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow.

Pregrade AI helps teachers give timely, personalized feedback to students for quick and accurate assessments. This enhances the learning experience and allows educators to effectively address individual student needs. Check out Pregrade now!


Two figures stand facing each other, one with a laptop open in front of them. The scene is divided by contrasting colors—red on one side and blue on the other—creating a dramatic atmosphere. The expressions of the figures convey intensity and focus.

Unpacking the Help-Seeking Process

Blog

Unpacking the Help-Seeking Process: ChatGPT vs. Human Experts

With AI tools like ChatGPT popping up, things are changing in education. Students who used to depend on teachers and professors are now getting help from AI.

A recent study titled “Unpacking help-seeking process through multimodal learning analytics: A comparative study of ChatGPT vs Human expert” (Unpacking help-seeking process through multimodal learning analytics: A comparative study of ChatGPT vs Human expert – ScienceDirect) explored how learners interact with AI and human experts when seeking help. The study involved 38 university students divided into two groups: one seeking help from ChatGPT and the other from an experienced teacher. The researchers used multimodal data, including trace data, eye-tracking data, and conversational data, to analyze the help-seeking processes.

Here are some of the key findings from the study:

  1. Non-linear vs. Linear Processes: The study found that learners who asked AI for help didn’t follow the usual step-by-step process and often skipped the evaluation stages. On the other hand, those who turned to human experts for help followed a more straightforward process, which matches up with the traditional theories about how people seek help.
  2. Types of Questions and Activities: Learners who chatted with ChatGPT usually asked practical questions and looked for specific help. On the other hand, learners who asked human experts for help were more likely to think about their own thinking and assess the feedback they got.
  3. Social Pressure and Metacognitive Off-loading: Learners were more likely to ask for help when they weren’t feeling social pressure. This was especially true when they were interacting with AI, since they felt more comfortable asking questions without worrying about being judged.
  4. Scaffolding and Support: The research highlighted that we need scaffolding to learn better with AI. With effective scaffolding, learners can find help faster and improve their metacognitive skills.

AI is great for answering FAQs quickly, which means less waiting around. But for tricky or sensitive issues, you need a human touch – someone who can really understand and empathize.

So, the best approach is to combine AI and human support for a perfect balance of efficiency and empathy.


A profile of a woman with a blue brain emerging from her head, symbolizing artificial intelligence and human thought. Surrounding her are swirling red and blue clouds, while a small figure stands in the foreground, representing contemplation of AI's impact on consciousness.

How are people really using AI?

Blog

How Are People Really Using AI?

In just over a year, generative AI has revolutionized our world, touching every aspect of our lives. From technical assistance & troubleshooting to content creation & editing, and from learning & education to creativity & recreation, the applications are endless.

But what are some real ways people are using AI?

Generative AIs' capabilities range from assisting with technology and content production to enriching educational experiences and creative endeavors.

1. Technical Assistance & Troubleshooting

Generative AI is being used extensively for technical assistance and troubleshooting. For example, it can help users debug code, provide step-by-step solutions to technical problems, and even offer personalized tech support. This not only saves time but also enhances productivity by providing quick and accurate solutions.

2. Content Creation & Editing

AI tools are revolutionizing content creation and editing. Writers and marketers use AI to generate ideas, draft articles, and edit content for clarity and coherence. AI can also help in creating marketing copy, social media posts, and even entire blog articles. This allows content creators to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work.

3. Personal & Professional Support

Generative AI is providing valuable support in both personal and professional settings. For instance, it can help draft emails, create presentations, and even generate performance appraisals. On a personal level, AI can assist with tasks like writing complaint letters or generating appraisals, making everyday tasks more manageable.

4. Learning & Education

AI is transforming the way we learn and educate. It can provide personalized learning experiences, offer explanations for complex concepts, and even generate practice problems for students. Educators are using AI to create interactive and engaging learning materials, making education more accessible and effective.

5. Creativity & Recreation

AI is also enhancing creativity and recreation. Artists and designers use AI to generate new ideas, create digital art, and even compose music. AI can also be used for recreational purposes, such as generating story ideas, creating game content, and providing entertainment recommendations.

6. Research, Analysis & Decision Making

Generative AI is a powerful tool for research, analysis, and decision-making. It can analyze vast amounts of data, generate insights, and provide recommendations. This is particularly useful in fields like finance, healthcare, and business, where data-driven decisions are crucial.

Generative AI is transforming our world in countless ways, from enhancing productivity and creativity to providing valuable support in personal and professional settings. By embracing this wave of innovation, we can harness its power to solve real-world problems and drive progress.


A humanoid robot with a partially transparent head showcasing intricate circuitry stands in a classroom filled with students using computers. The environment features a bright, airy design with large windows, blending technology and traditional learning spaces.

How will AI affect the future of work?

Blog

How Will AI Affect the Future of Work?

How do we educate students and train employees?

The workplace is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid advancements in AI. This evolution is not just about automating repetitive tasks; it's about unlocking human potential and creating new opportunities.

AI is revolutionizing the way we work by automating mundane and repetitive tasks. This shift allows employees to focus on more strategic, creative, and value-added activities. For instance, AI can handle data entry, scheduling, and basic customer service, freeing up human workers to engage in problem-solving, innovation, and relationship-building.

In a world where change is constant, the future belongs to those who are agile and curious. Employees must be willing to adapt, learn new skills, and embrace new technologies. Organizations should foster a culture of continuous learning and provide opportunities for professional development. This approach ensures that the workforce remains resilient and capable of navigating the ever-evolving landscape.

Imagine a workplace where AI algorithms assist in decision-making, while humans bring intuition, empathy, and context to the table. This collaboration creates a synergy that enhances productivity and innovation. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to provide insights, but it is the human touch that interprets these insights and makes informed decisions, just like what we’re doing with Pregrade.

As AI takes over data processing tasks, our roles shift from being data consumers to data interpreters. We become decision architects, shaping the direction of our organizations based on data-driven insights. This shift requires a new set of skills, including data literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to translate data into actionable strategies.


Educating Students and Training Employees

To prepare for this AI-driven future, we must rethink how we educate students and train employees.

1. Emphasize STEM Education

A strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is crucial for understanding and leveraging AI technologies. Educational institutions should prioritize STEM education and encourage students to pursue careers in these fields.

2. Foster Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork are equally vital. These skills enable individuals to collaborate effectively with AI and with each other. Training programs should focus on developing both technical and soft skills.

3. Lifelong Learning

The rapid pace of technological change means that learning cannot stop after formal education. Organizations should promote a culture of lifelong learning, offering continuous training and development opportunities. This approach ensures that employees remain relevant and capable of adapting to new technologies.

4. Hands-On Experience

Practical experience with AI tools and technologies is essential. Educational institutions and organizations should provide hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships, workshops, and real-world projects. This experience helps individuals understand how AI can be applied in various contexts.

What do you think we should do to educate students and train employees and teachers?


A classroom scene where students are wearing augmented reality headsets, appearing focused on their studies. The image features a blend of glowing digital data and abstract patterns, emphasizing a high-tech learning atmosphere.

How does Pregrade leverage AI while minimizing risks?

Blog

How Does Pregrade Leverage AI While Minimizing Risks?

The Pregrade Story: Leveraging AI Responsibly Through Balancing AI and Human Expertise in Essay Grading

In the ever-evolving landscape of education technology, one of the most exciting developments is the integration of AI into teaching and learning processes.

AI promises efficiency, consistency, and the potential to reshape how education is delivered. But as with any powerful tool, the challenge lies in leveraging AI responsibly to ensure student success while maintaining the indispensable human touch. That’s where Pregrade—a pioneering AI essay grader designed to complement, not replace, the role of educators.

Purposeful Application of AI

The key to using AI tools like Pregrade lies in their purposeful application. While AI can significantly streamline the grading process, it is not a substitute for the thoughtful teaching and grading provided by educators. Pregrade should be used to enhance, not overshadow, pedagogical approaches. Here are a few considerations:

  • Avoiding Misuse of AI Resources (MR): AI, like Pregrade, is a powerful tool, but its usage should be aligned with clear, intended goals. Educators must use it to complement their teaching methods rather than relying solely on the technology.
  • Mismatching of AI Pedagogy (MP): AI strategies should complement pedagogical approaches without overshadowing them. This is why we recommend that educators revise or add to the feedback provided by Pregrade. AI can handle routine tasks, but nuanced understanding and human feedback remain crucial.

Ethical Security Matters

Ensuring ethical use of AI in education is paramount. Several security concerns need to be addressed to maintain the integrity and trust of AI-assisted learning.

  • Privacy Security Risk (PSR): Student data is sacred. Pregrade handles data securely, adhering strictly to privacy regulations. Trust in how data is managed is fundamental to ethical AI use.
  • Transparency Risk (TR): Transparency in AI processes ensures fairness and consistency. Pregrade uses predefined rubrics given by the educators to assign grades, maintaining an unbiased approach.
  • Accountability Risk (AR): Clear guidelines should be established to handle any disagreements between AI grading and human assessment. Accountability for final grading decisions should always rest with educators.
  • Bias Risk (BR): AI systems must undergo rigorous bias testing to ensure fair treatment for all students. Pregrade is designed with this priority in mind to uphold equity in grading.

Man-Machine Interaction Risk

Balancing the interaction between AI and human expertise is crucial for successful implementation.

  • Perceived Risk (PR): Educators and students may worry about the reliability of AI. Emphasizing post-grading checks by educators can mitigate these concerns and ensure confidence in AI-assisted grading.
  • Real Threats (RT): Regular audits and continuous improvements are essential for maintaining the efficacy of AI tools. Pregrade undergoes consistent checks to ensure smooth operation and reliability.

Combining AI Efficiency with Personalized Feedback

The true power of AI lies in its ability to complement human expertise. By combining AI’s efficiency with personalized feedback, educators can provide a holistic learning experience for their students. AI can handle routine grading tasks, freeing up educators to focus on more meaningful interactions with their students. This balance ensures that students receive timely, consistent feedback while benefiting from the personalized guidance that only a human educator can provide. As we embrace AI in education, it is crucial to keep student growth at the center of our efforts. By leveraging AI tools like Pregrade responsibly, educators can enhance their teaching methods, reduce administrative burdens, and provide more consistent and fair assessments. The goal is not to replace educators but to empower them with tools that enhance their capabilities.


A classroom scene featuring students focused on their work at desks, with a large, stylized robotic figure in the background. The image is rendered in bold red and blue hues, emphasizing the contrast between human effort and technological presence.

How has AI changed impact assessments?

Blog

How has AI Changed Impact Assessments?

Learn more through our online program ‘Co-Design Engaging Courses with Generative AI,’ here.

In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of our lives, education is no exception.

Recognizing the potential of AI to revolutionize online learning, we at Pregrade have teamed up with esteemed partners—Learnmonade, Star-Kin, Actuator Media, UNESCO-ICHEI, and the IIOE Global Webinar—to co-create a groundbreaking course designed for higher education professionals. This initiative is not just about integrating AI; it’s about transforming the way educators engage, assess, and empower their students.

This course provides educators with the tools to harness generative AI, enabling them to craft engaging and interactive lecture experiences. Gone are the days of monotonous lectures. With AI, educators can create dynamic content that captivates students’ attention and fosters a deeper understanding of the material. Imagine virtual classrooms where AI-driven simulations and personalized learning paths cater to each student’s unique needs, making learning not just effective but also enjoyable.

Revolutionizing Assessment

Assessment methods have long been a challenge in online education. The rise of AI presents both a hurdle and an opportunity. This course guides educators on how to adapt their assessment techniques in an era where students have access to AI tools. By incorporating AI into their assessment strategies, educators can ensure academic integrity while also embracing the benefits of automated grading and feedback systems, which can save time and provide more detailed insights into student performance.

Reducing Workload with AI Tools

One of the significant advantages of AI in education is its ability to reduce the administrative burden on educators. Through the effective application of AI tools, such as Pregrade, educators can automate routine tasks, streamline administrative processes, and focus more on what truly matters—teaching and mentoring their students. This not only enhances productivity but also contributes to a healthier work-life balance for educators.

Click on the link below to try out our globally available online program now.

Explore Our Micro-Certification Program

An abstract representation of a human-like face with fluid, swirling colors in shades of blue and orange, symbolizing the fusion of technology and human emotion, reflecting themes of artificial intelligence and digital identity.

Navigating the Evolution of AI

Blog

Navigating the Evolution of AI

As we stand at the crossroads of AI’s trajectory, let’s recognize that both our personal growth and AI’s evolution share common threads. So, here are some insights between my own development and Gen AI’s near term trajectory.

A Reflection from Joon Nak Choi

Just as we’ve learned to channel our intelligence more effectively, AI will also find its purpose, and we will learn to adapt.

In my 20’s my IQ was off the charts, but I didn’t really have the wisdom to use it correctly. I made poor decisions after poor decision and made poor use of my potential. As I near my 50’s my IQ is probably a bit more limited, but my decision quality is better. I am making much better use of the intelligence that I do have. Gen AI will be the same way. The performance of these foundational models isn’t going to grow rapidly. However, we are going to start learning to make better use of it.

The rapid advancements in Gen AI models, like GPT-4, have been impressive, but the pace of performance improvements is expected to stabilize. This means that while we might not see dramatic leaps in the core capabilities of these models, they will continue to evolve steadily. The real game-changer will be how we learn to use these models more effectively. This involves integrating Gen AI into various workflows, enhancing productivity, and expanding the range of tasks it can perform. For example, businesses are already leveraging GenAI to automate customer service, generate content, and even assist in complex decision-making processes.

In essence, while the foundational technology may not see exponential growth, out ability to harness its potential will significantly improve, leading to more innovative and efficient applications across different industries.

With Pregrade however, we start with the intelligence, and are adding more wisdom to the AI as we go along.

We utilise advanced AI models that already possess significant capabilities in language understanding, pattern recognition, and data processing. Over time, these models are refined and enriched with domain-specific knowledge, ethical considerations, and contextual awareness. This process involves continous learning from real-world appliations, use interactions, and feedback loops.

Pregrade’s AI systems are designed to adapt to evolve based on new information and changing environments. This user-centric approach helps in building trust and ensuring the AI’s outputs are meaningful and beneficial.

Universities and corporations alike play a pivotal role in shaping this journey—by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing ethical AI, and nurturing the next generation of AI practitioners. We also see Pregrade being a part of the broader transformation of higher education to leverage AI and become more responsive, effective, and efficient.


A woman with glasses sitting at a laptop in a dimly lit environment, illuminated by soft blue tones. The image features a blurred effect, emphasizing her focused expression as she works on the computer.

What is Pregrade?

Blog

What is Pregrade?

Think of Pregrade as your AI grading assistant. In a few minutes, Pregrade will return detailed feedback, saving you up to 80% of your grading time. No more waiting weeks for results—Pregrade delivers efficient, equitable feedback without the complaints or delays.

Marking & giving feedback on essays is one of the biggest headaches for teachers.

  • I spend 2-8 hours a week grading essays. It’s really exhausting!
  • I wish I could save my time & energy for actual teaching.
  • I want to grade more consistently & give better feedback.

Marking & giving feedback on essays is one of the biggest headaches for teachers.

  • I spend 2-8 hours a week grading essays. It’s really exhausting!
  • I wish I could save my time & energy for actual teaching.
  • I want to grade more consistently & give better feedback.

I spend 2-8 hours a week grading essays. It’s really exhausting!

I wish I could save my time & energy for actual teaching.

I want to grade more consistently & give better feedback.

Our AI essay grading assistant does the gruntwork so you can personalize feedback.

Our AI essay grading assistant does the gruntwork so you can personalize feedback.

AI pre-grades typed or handwritten essays

  • Mark, label, & fix spelling & grammar errors
  • Grade essay using your own rubric
  • Draft preliminary feedback for students

You (quickly) fine-tune grades & feedback

  • Edit spelling & grammar to your satisfaction
  • Edit AI-drafted grades as you deem appropriate
  • Personalize suggestions for improvement

AI pre-grades typed or handwritten essays

  • Mark, label, & fix spelling & grammar errors
  • Grade essay using your own rubric
  • Draft preliminary feedback for students

You (quickly) fine-tune grades & feedback

  • Edit spelling & grammar to your satisfaction
  • Edit AI-drafted grades as you deem appropriate
  • Personalize suggestions for improvement

Our user-friendly platform offers the following benefits.

Efficient Grading

Aids educators by drafting grades, feedback, spelling and grammar corrections.

Time Saving

Reduces your time spent grading by up to 75% and saves you the effort too.

Consistency and Fairness

Grades fairly and consistently with a given rubric as a baseline.

Personalised Feedback

Pregrade does the grunt-work, so you can focus on providing personalised feedback to your students.

Our user-friendly platform offers the following benefits.

Efficient Grading

Aids educators by drafting grades, feedback, spelling and grammar corrections.

Personalised Feedback

Pregrade does the grunt-work, so you can focus on providing personalised feedback to your students.

Time Saving

Reduces your time spent grading by up to 75% and saves you the effort too.

Consistency and Fairness

Grades fairly and consistently with a given rubric as a baseline.