Listen to This! Utilizing Audio Recordings to Improve Instructor Feedback on Writing in Mathematics

Abstract

Providing audio files in lieu of written remarks on graded assignments is arguably a more effective means of feedback, allowing students to better process and understand the critique and improve their future work. With emerging technologies and software, this audio feedback alternative to the traditional paradigm of providing written comments seems a natural progression to improve student learning. Its utility is especially significant for feedback on writing in mathematics, when it becomes easier for instructor corrections to not only point to deficiencies, but also offer more in depth explanations on the root causes of error in student formulations or mathematical modeling. This paper details the benefits of implementing an audio feedback technique for writing in mathematics, and provides results of a case study performed during four semesters of a collegiate freshman mathematics course. Given instructor initiative and startup time to acclimate to this new way of assessment, the benefits of the audio feedback alternative towards student learning appear substantial.

Keywords:

• Audio feedback
• writing in mathematics
• electronic submissions
• assessments

Acknowledgement

This paper was completed and submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master Teacher Program, a 2-year faculty professional development program conducted by the Center for Faculty Excellence, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, 2012.

Notes

2. ¹Schott, personal communication, March 2012.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christopher Weld

Christopher Weld is an active duty army officer who was reassigned in the Summer of 2013 to Fort Eustis, VA, where he is currently working as an Army Analyst. His previous assignment was with the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, where he taught as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. While at USMA, he taught courses in Mathematical Modeling, Differential Calculus, and Probability and Statistics. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (Fluids and Aerospace) from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science (Computational Operations Research) from The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.