What are report card comments?
An important part of our work as teachers and educators is to provide meaningful feedback to our students. By meaningful I mean constructive feedback whose aim is to provide a fair evaluation of student’s learning, highlight areas of strength and poinpoints areas that need more work. The general goal of meaningful feedback is the betterment of students learning.
Report cards comments are one of the ways we provide students with such feedback. Report card comments provide a detailed description and evaluation of different student skills and abilities, as well as recommendations for improvement. These comments can be used to describe student’s academic performance, behavior and social development. Furthermore, report card comments provide an opportunity for teachers to communicate their expectations for the student and to encourage them to do better.
Characteristics of effective report card comments
Not all report card comments are pedagogically equal, some are more to the point and effective and others miss the point all together. Writing report card comments is a skill that every teacher need to master early on in their career.
The language we use in these cards, the way we frame our feedback can make a whole different to students learning. It does take time and so much explicit practice to develop this skill. During my first year as a teacher (that was back in 2003), I used to ask my colleagues, who were seasoned teachers, to see samples of their report card comments. that helped me alot towards developing my own report card writing skills.
Effective report card comments have many characteristics: First, they are always specific and to the point. They are also concise and written in a clear and accessible language. Effective report card comments are also crafted to address individual needs and while they point out areas of improvement, they also highlight student’s strengths and achievements.
Moreover, effective report card comments always provide students with tangible goals and recommendations for improvement. As part of the report card comments, teachers should also provide specific examples to illustrate their point and make sure that the student understands exactly what is expected from them. Finally, effective report card comments are always encouraging and positive even when pointing out areas of improvement.
Common challenges with report card comments
One of the most common challenges faced by teachers when writing report card comments is finding the right balance between positive and constructive feedback. It can be difficult to provide meaningful criticism while still being encouraging, which is why it is important to be mindful of the language used when writing report card comments.
To help you with the writing of report card comments, here are some working samples that you can customize and use in your own teaching situation. Several o these comments I generated through the help of AI chatbots using various prompts. I hope you find them helpful.
Positive comments
Here 14 examples of positive report cards comments:
1.Your child shows a good ability to reason and problem solve.
2.Your student displays a good understanding of the material.
3.The learner is well organized and completes tasks on time.
4.Your child is an enthusiastic participant in class discussions.
5.The student displays a strong commitment to academic achievement.
6.The learner shows a positive attitude towards learning.
7.Your kid is enthusiastic about participating in class activities.
8.I am pleased with the good progress your child made in the subject since the beginning of the year.
9.The learner works well independently and is able to follow instructions.
10.Your kid is able to apply concepts from the class in real-world scenarios.
11.Your student demonstrates a clear understanding of the material.
12.The learner is able to work effectively in groups.
13.The learner displays a strong focus and enthusiasm when completing tasks.
14.I enjoy your child’s ability to effectively express ideas in written and spoken form.
Constructive criticisms
Here are 30 examples of constructive criticism:
1.Your child needs to develop better organizational skills in order to be successful.
2.The learner should show more enthusiasm when participating in class discussions.
3.Your child needs to work harder in order to make expected progress.
4.The learner needs to focus more in order to complete tasks efficiently.
5.Your child needs to work on following instructions independently.
6.The learner should practice problem solving skills in order to achieve success.
7.Your child needs to apply concepts from the class in real-world scenarios.
8.The learner needs to improve his/her understanding of the material in order to progress.
9.Your child should show a more positive attitude towards learning.
10.The learner should be more cooperative when working in groups.
11.Your child needs additional support to make expected progress.
12.The learner should practice expressing ideas in written and spoken form.
13.Your child should seek help when needed.
14.The learner should pay more attention to detail in order to be successful.
15.The learner needs to show greater commitment and dedication to academic work.
16.Your child needs to work on his/her organizational skills.
17.Your student needs to show more enthusiasm in class discussions.
18.Unfortunately,your child has not made the expected progress
19. focus and attentiveness are two areas your child needs to work and improve
20.The learner has difficulty following instructions independently.
21.Your child needs to work on his/her problem solving skills
22.Your child has not been able to apply concepts from the class in real-world scenarios.
23.The learner needs to improve his/her understanding of the material.
24.Your child needs to show a more positive attitude towards learning.
25.The learner needs to be more cooperative when working in groups.
26.The learner requires additional support in order to make progress.
27.Your child needs to practice expressing ideas in written and spoken form.
28.The learner should seek help when needed.
29.Your child needs to pay more attention to detail in order to be successful.
30.The learner needs to show greater commitment and
Goals and expectations
Here are 15 examples of goals and expectations:
1.The learner should develop better organizational skills in order to be successful.
2.Your child needs to demonstrate enthusiasm when participating in class discussions.
3.The learner must make expected progress in order to succeed.
4.Your child should display focus and attentiveness when completing tasks.
5.Your child needs to strive to follow instructions independently.
6.The learner should practice problem solving skills regularly.
7.Your child must be able to apply concepts from the class in real-world scenarios.
8.Your child should demonstrate a clear understanding of the material.
9.Your child must display a positive attitude towards learning.
10.Your child needs to be cooperative when working in groups.
11.The learner should make use of additional support to make progress.
12.The learner must practice expressing ideas in written and spoken form.
13.Your child should seek help when needed.
14.The learner must pay attention to detail in order to be successful.
15.The learner should show dedication and commitment to academic work.
Encouraging Comments
Here are 15 examples of encouraging report cards comments:
1.You are making steady progress and showing dedication to your studies.
2.You have made significant improvements in your organizational skills.
3.You are participating actively and demonstrating enthusiasm during class discussions.
4.You have been putting in a lot of effort and making expected progress.
5.You are displaying good focus when completing tasks.
6.You are striving to follow instructions independently.
7.You have been practicing problem solving skills and showing progress.
8.You have been able to apply concepts from the class in real-world scenarios.
9.Your understanding of the material has been greatly improved.
10.You have displayed a positive attitude towards learning.
11.You have been cooperative when working in groups.
12.You have been taking advantage of the available support and making progress.
13.You have been able to express your ideas in written and spoken form.
14.You have been seeking help when needed and making use of the available resources.
15.You have been paying attention to detail and showing commitment to academic work.
