Among the requirements for the WSET Diploma is Unit 1, the business of wine. Unlike the others, this unit is evaluated by the candidate’s completion of four brief (1,500-2,000 words) research papers on topics selected from a list. I submitted one of these papers for the April deadline and just received my results last week.

I opened the envelope and found the official WSET grade report along with a copy of the paper’s cover sheet. The cover sheet includes items such as title selected, candidate’s name, etc. and then includes two generous spaces below for the grader’s comments designated "Strengths" and "Areas for Improvement." These latter two appear under the heading, "Examiner Feedback."

My grade was a Pass, which is, of course, better than Fail, but not as successful as a Pass with Merit or, even better, a Pass with Distinction. In fact, this is the lowest grade to date that I have received for any exam or assignment associated with my WSET pursuits. However, the actual grade wasn’t what upset me as much as the fact that other than the grade itself, nothing was written under "Examiner’s Feedback."

As an educator, particularly one who trains faculty to become better teachers, I always stress the importance of providing feedback to students. Feedback is essential to improvement, giving the learner the opportunity to understand what elements are successful and which require revision. Moreover, it is critical that the student is advised as to how to make such revisions. Without all of which, the student is simply shooting in the dark with future assignments and/or behaviors.

Accordingly, I felt at a loss as to how to complete the remaining two papers. I reached out to the International Wine Center, where I take my classes to advise them of the issue. I am pleased to report that my request for feedback was forwarded to London with a prompt reply received today. The constructive critique was very helpful and will certainly permit me to write betters papers going forward.

I strongly encourage all educators, regardless of the subject matter they teach, to provide their students with clear and instructive information with regard to their performance. Only through effective feedback can the learner advance in their knowledge and understanding. Of note, it is equally of value to provide both praise and criticism to reinforce the positive and change or correct the other. Such feedback is nourishment for the educational endeavor.