Best Way to Write Reports for Your Students



One of the most tedious, and sometimes the most difficult, tasks of teaching is writing reports. All teachers have to do it, and sometimes it can be hard to think what to write. Whatever you write on the report card will stick with that student, potentially for a long, long time. Allegedly, even people who have had a substantial impact on others’ lives, such as Sir Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, once received poor school reports.

Regardless of how unenthusiastic you feel about writing reports, they are essential to student progress, monitoring and assessment. A six-word comment isn’t going to tell anyone anything much, and will only make it look like you are disinterested or couldn’t be bothered. Imagine how you would feel if you had put lots of effort into a busi­ness project, only to receive feedback that merely said, ‘Good progress. Some nice work.’

Write Reports for Students Best Way to Write Reports for Your Students

Top tips for writing reports

  •  Consider how many reports you will have to write. It is likely that you will have to write a comment for every child you teach, not to mention additional ones if you are a form tutor or head of year. You might end up having to write comments for over 200 students! Organize your time efficiently – don’t spend any longer than a few minutes on each one.
  •  Keep comments positive and refer to achievements.
  •  Avoid generalizations be specific and concise.
  •  Do not refer to the student’s personality – focus more on their academic progress.
  • Offer ways to improve or progress rather than criticize.
  • Always be honest and fair.
  •  Make sure you consider content and presentation.

Remember: Keep reports positive and truthful. If you can’t find anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!

20 useful phrases for report cards

  •  Has performed very well in . . .
  •  Has an excellent attitude/good temperament.
  •  Is highly motivated/responsible.
  •  Is pleasant and helpful.
  •  Has made considerable improvement in . . .
  •  Is an excellent team player/Works well with others.
  •  Has worked very hard in . . .
  •  Shows a lot of promise.
  •  Shows real interest and enthusiasm.
  •  Is consistently progressing in. . .
  •  Is a conscientious worker.
  •  Is mature and reliable/Is especially confident in . . .
  •  Follows directions/instructions well.
  •  Has made a real contribution to . . .
  •  Participates well in conversation and discussion work.
  •  Shows a positive attitude to learning.
  •  Is independent/self-reliant.
  • Is eager to learn/Concentrates well.
  • Is organized/efficient/driven to succeed.
  •  Is particularly creative/Shows real originality/clarity of thinking.





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