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Appraisal beyond Errors

By: Polly Jeremiah for weekending 24th October, 2025

 

Throughout my entire tenure as a teacher, I have assessed, taught and graded students’ written literature from a ‘pessimistic point of view, where my general focus was on correctness (mechanics and register), and not the most important trait, voice; the young writer’s expression of thoughts and feelings. I failed to give ample attention to students’ content. I must also say, I was also swayed at times by presentation, where hand writing and overall neatness of the piece influence my appraisal of the quality of work produced. I also failed to pay attention to the fact that students’ first language (Grenadian dialect) is adequate for the full expression of any idea. This week’s activity (analysis of a sample piece), showed me how much I erroneously viewed students’ writing, while putting them under unnecessary pressure, to conform to the Queen’s English.

 

For the first time I analysed a student’s piece from the correct perspective, and I saw things that I have never considered before. I understood the child’s message well, while feeling the true spirit in which the child wrote the piece. I saw the dialect used, as just another language, adequate for the expression of any idea. I saw a stack resemblance between the child’s spelling and voice, and that of today’s modern Standard English, in its Roman era period of development. I also saw more value and richness in the piece, than I would have seen before.

 

Once again, this is another example of true learning, where my inadequacies as a writing teacher was highlighted and a new attitude and thinking developed. I now have a better understanding of how to apply the 6 +1 Traits to teach, assess and generally scaffold students in becoming better writers.

Comments

  1. Gloria WellsOctober 31, 2025 at 9:56 PM

    Polly, your reflection was truly eye-opening and honest. I admire how you acknowledged the shift from focusing on correctness to valuing students’ voices and authentic expression. Your realization about embracing the Grenadian dialect as a valid form of expression really stood out. it reminded me that honoring students’ language backgrounds helps them grow as confident writers. Thank you for sharing such a powerful perspective.

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  2. Cami GeorgeNovember 2, 2025 at 7:29 PM

    Wow, I really relate to what you shared. I have also caught myself focusing too much on neatness, spelling, and grammar, and not enough on the student’s voice or what they are really trying to say. I love how you noticed the value in the child’s dialect and how it can fully express ideas. That really made me think about how I look at my students’ writing and the pressure I might be putting on them to conform to rules instead of encouraging their creativity. Your reflection reminds me that good writing is about ideas and expression first, and the mechanics can come later. I feel inspired to approach my students’ work with more patience and understanding, and to help them build their voice while still learning the technical skills. Thank you for sharing this; it really made me pause and rethink my own teaching.

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