I was once told that we should never judge a students’ presentation of work only the work itself. So in a History homework for example I would only focus on the actual writing: the argument, analysis, evaluation and how effectively the student has reached a reasoned conclusion etc. These issues are the norm and should be expected. I disregarded a student’s design of the piece of work for many years until very recently. I know do both. I grade the answer and comment on the presentation of the work, whatever this might be.
Why should we do this unless we teach subjects where design is involved? If we don’t then it confirms to the student that as long as the content of the work is good then it doesn’t matter if they’ve stood on it and that they’ve left doodles about their girlfriend across the page. Is it too profound to suggest that without all of our attention (from whatever subject area) about design they will not be able to sell their own ideas to a prospective employers? A 21st Century individual is very much concerned about design just take a look around your workplace or your own home. If you are a great singer that doesn’t mean that you will make it; you also need the right image. A perfect example of this is American Idol or, the British equivalent The X Factor, where amazing singers front the stage only to find out that they simply have not got the ‘look’ they are seeking.
Of course I’m not saying that students need to ‘sell’ their ideas to their teachers, but it doesn’t harm if they can learn to present their work in a professional fashion which later in life might lead to something great. If they are to face the ever-competitive labour market they need more than just ‘an answer’.
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