Feedback - Help me!

Day 14 of the Reflective Teacher Blogging Challenge is all about feedback.  This is perhaps the area of my teaching that really needs the most improvement.  It has been a constant struggle for me.  It is all too easy to rely on assignments and tests to help determine grades.  I know that students and parents are focused on grades because they believe it tells them everything they need to know about how well or poorly they are performing.  I know  these are not the end-all be-all yet nevertheless, I too, rely on them.  My feedback is primarily in the form of comments on a writing assignment, tests or oral feedback during class.  I have been experimenting with different tech areas (Google Docs, Forms and Twitter) which I think might help me move in a different direction.  I am grateful for this challenge because it has helped me to realize my strong points and my shortcomings while all the time providing me support in the form of others' blogs.  I would like to extend a thank you to everyone involved in this challenge for sharing, being honest and providing some amazing ideas!  I will continue reading and hopefully growing as an educator. Grazie.