Yellow and Blue Boxes
With the technique, Yellow and Blue Boxes, rather than the teacher marking a complete piece of work (such as an essay), particular sections are chosen, either by the teacher and/or the student. For example:
The teacher chooses a specific section they want to focus on, identifying this with a YELLOW BOX.
The student chooses a specific section they want the teacher to focus on, identifying this with a BLUE box.
Why use this technique?
Teachers only have a finite amount of marking time. If we try to mark EVERY aspect of EVERY piece of work, we are either going to burn ourselves out, or we aren’t going to do as thorough a job as we would want.
Beyond this, there is only so much feedback students can cope with in one go. Less is often more. Homing in on specific aspects of students’ work and giving actionable feedback on this is much more likely to have a positive impact on learning than a ‘throwing the kitchen sink’ at it approach.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?