Give the comment now, the grade later
The moment a grade appears on the page, the comment next to it stops being read. Separate them in time.
Aug 14, 2026 · 1 min read
The classic experiment: students given comments only improved on the next task; students given grades, or grades plus comments, didn't. The grade didn't merely add nothing, it cancelled the comment beside it (Butler, 1988). Students scan for the number, file the verdict, and skip the advice. If both must exist, don't hand them over together.
In practice
- Return work with comments only. Students read, respond, and make the fix (see "Budget lesson time for acting on feedback"). Release grades afterwards, even if only by a day.
- Or make the grade earnable: "act on the comment and the improved version is what I record."
- If school policy requires the grade on the work, at least make students write one sentence about the comment before they may see the number.
Quick takeaway: a grade ends the conversation. Hold it until the comment has done its work.