General
What is it?
Feedbacker is a rubric-led feedback tool designed for higher education (but works in other settings, too). It generates structured, criterion-aligned feedback based on the rubric you define — whether that rubric is created inside Feedbacker or using your preferred external tool.
Does it replace academic judgement?
No. Feedbacker supports academic judgement — it does not replace it. You remain fully responsible for academic standards, the rubric you create, and all final output.
Is the generated feedback editable?
Yes. All generated feedback is fully editable before it is released to students.
The Rubric
How do I create a rubric?
You can create your rubric in whichever way suits your workflow:
- Using the built-in spreadsheet-style editor in Feedbacker, or
- Using your preferred software (such as Excel, Google Sheets, or institutional templates) and exporting the rubric as a PDF.
In all cases, you define the assessment criteria, grade boundaries or performance levels, and any descriptive comments.
Do I have to use the built-in rubric editor?
No. The built-in editor is provided for convenience, but it is not required. Many educators design rubrics externally using familiar tools and then upload them to Feedbacker during marking.
Does the rubric need to be completed before marking?
It depends on your workflow. For submission-based assessments (Workflow A, described below), the rubric should be fully completed before marking begins. For live or performance-based assessments (Workflow B), you only define the criteria and grade boundaries in advance — comments are added during the assessment itself.
This applies regardless of whether the rubric was created inside or outside Feedbacker.
Does the quality of my rubric affect the feedback?
Yes. The more clearly defined your rubric criteria and comments are, the stronger and more specific the generated feedback will be.
Workflows
What workflows are supported?
Feedbacker supports two workflows:
- Workflow A — for submission-based assessments such as essays, reports, and dissertations
- Workflow B — for live or performance-based assessments such as presentations, vivas, and practical work
Both workflows work with rubrics created either inside Feedbacker or externally.
How does Workflow A work?
- Complete your rubric fully, including descriptive comments for each criterion and grade level (using Feedbacker or your preferred tool).
- Export the rubric as a PDF.
- Upload the rubric PDF and the student's submission PDF.
- Select Get Feedback.
Feedbacker will produce criterion-aligned commentary, a structured explanation of performance, and clear areas for development.
How does Workflow B work?
- Define your criteria and grade boundaries in the rubric, but leave comment cells blank.
- During the live assessment, enter marks and add comments in real time using the rubric inside the tool (or working from your prepared rubric).
- Once complete, export the commented rubric as a PDF.
- Re-upload the completed rubric PDF to generate structured feedback.
Good Practice
Any tips for getting the best results from Feedbacker?
- Use whichever rubric creation method best fits your workflow.
- Write clear and specific rubric criteria.
- Avoid vague performance descriptors.
- Review all generated output before sharing it with students.
- Retain final records in accordance with your institution's policy.
Support
How do I report a technical issue or suggest an improvement?
Please get in contact. Feedbacker evolves in response to academic practice.