When a student turns in an early draft of a research paper, business plan, design project, or any other work in progress, it embodies the student’s creative vision. For many students, even a first draft can feel connected to their personal identity and ability. A critique of the draft by a professor, then, may be perceived by the student as a critique of their personal competence. This interpretation can induce affective reactions that can lead to a superficial revision or even refusal to revise at all. The student views the instructor’s feedback not as academically constructive but rather as a personal judgement.
