FEEDBACK – How to give feedback to my students.
26/06/23, 4:29 PM
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StudentFeedback
FEEDBACK – How to give
feedback to my students.
Ron Morrain
- Learning for the Discerning
Published Jun 25, 2023
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Providing feedback to students is an important aspect of their learning and growth.
Effective feedback can help them understand their strengths, identify areas for
improvement, and make progress in their studies. Here are some guidelines to
consider when giving feedback to your students:
1. Be specific and constructive: Provide specific examples and details about
what the student did well and areas where they can improve. Avoid general
statements and provide actionable suggestions for improvement.
2. Focus on the task or behavior: Keep the feedback centered on the task or
behavior, rather than the student as an individual. This helps students separate
their performance from their self-worth and encourages a growth mindset.
3. Balance positive and negative feedback: While it's essential to point out areas
for improvement, also highlight the student's strengths and what they have done
well. This balance creates a supportive and motivating environment.
4. Use a growth mindset approach: Emphasize the idea that abilities and skills
can be developed over time through effort and practice. Encourage students to
see feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a judgment of their
capabilities.
5. Be timely: Provide feedback as soon as possible after the task or assignment to
ensure it remains relevant and helpful. Prompt feedback allows students to make
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connections between their efforts and the outcomes.
6. Be respectful and empathetic: Approach feedback with empathy and respect,
understanding that students have different learning styles and emotional
responses. Use a supportive tone and consider the student's perspective when
delivering feedback.
7. Encourage self-reflection: Help students develop their ability to self-assess by
asking open-ended questions that prompt them to reflect on their work.
Encourage them to identify their own strengths and areas for improvement.
8. Offer guidance for improvement: Provide clear guidance on how students can
enhance their performance. Offer specific strategies, additional resources, or
examples to support their learning journey.
9. Foster a dialogue: Encourage students to ask questions or seek clarification
about the feedback provided. This helps create a two-way communication
channel and shows that you are available to support their progress.
10. Monitor progress: Follow up on previous feedback and track the student's
progress over time. Acknowledge and celebrate their growth and improvement.
Remember that effective feedback is ongoing and iterative. It should be a
continuous process throughout the learning journey, rather than a one-time event.
By providing meaningful and constructive feedback, you can support your student's
development and help them reach their full potential.
What are some proven methods for giving feedback?
Here are six different approaches to giving feedback to your students:
1. Appreciative feedback:
This approach focuses on highlighting the strengths and positive aspects of a
student's work. It involves recognizing their efforts, creativity, and achievements.
Appreciative feedback helps build confidence and motivation, encouraging students
to continue excelling in their studies.
2. Descriptive feedback:
Descriptive feedback provides specific and detailed information about a student's
performance. It focuses on describing what the student did well and areas where
improvement is needed. This approach helps students understand their strengths
and weaknesses in a concrete manner.
3. Feedback through questioning:
Instead of providing direct statements, this approach involves asking thoughtprovoking questions to stimulate students' thinking and self-reflection. It
encourages students to analyze their work, identify areas for improvement, and find
solutions independently. It also promotes critical thinking skills.
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4. Peer feedback:
Peer feedback involves students providing feedback to their classmates. This
approach fosters a collaborative learning environment, where students learn from
each other and develop their communication and analytical skills. It can be done
through structured activities, group discussions, or peer review processes.
5. Goal-oriented feedback:
This approach aligns feedback with specific learning goals or objectives. It
emphasizes how well a student has achieved those goals and provides guidance on
areas where they can further improve. Goal-oriented feedback helps students
understand their progress and focus their efforts effectively.
6. Feedforward:
Feedforward is a forward-looking approach that focuses on providing guidance for
future improvement. Rather than solely focusing on past performance, it suggests
strategies, resources, and steps for students to enhance their future work.
Feedforward empowers students to apply feedback proactively and make progress
in their learning.
These approaches can be used individually or combined depending on the context
and needs of your students. It's important to adapt your feedback approach to
different situations and students' learning styles to maximize its impact.
Before sitting down with your students to provide feedback, it's important to
be prepared and have a clear understanding of the following:
1. Familiarize yourself with the task or assignment: Review the task or
assignment that the student has completed. Understand the objectives, criteria,
and expectations associated with it. This will help you provide specific and
relevant feedback.
2. Identify strengths and areas for improvement: Assess the student's work
and identify the strengths they have demonstrated. Note areas where
improvement is needed or where the student could benefit from further
guidance. Having a clear understanding of these aspects will allow you to
provide targeted feedback.
3. Gather supporting evidence: Collect evidence and examples from the
student's work to support your feedback. This could include specific sections,
quotations, or instances that illustrate your points. Having concrete evidence
helps make your feedback more tangible and actionable.
4. Consider the student's learning preferences and needs: Take into account
the individual characteristics and learning preferences of your students. Adapt
your feedback approach to suit their needs, whether they are visual learners,
prefer hands-on activities, or require additional support in certain areas.
5. Review any previous feedback or discussions: If you have previously
provided feedback or had discussions with the student about their work, review
those interactions. Assess their progress since the last feedback session and
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consider how their work has evolved.
6. Prepare constructive suggestions: Generate specific suggestions and
strategies for improvement. Think about alternative approaches, additional
resources, or techniques that the student can use to enhance their performance.
This will enable you to offer actionable guidance during the feedback session.
7. Create a supportive and safe environment: Ensure that the feedback session
is conducted in a supportive and safe environment. Establish rapport and trust
with the student, emphasizing that feedback is meant to help them grow and
improve. Create an open and non-judgmental atmosphere where they feel
comfortable asking questions or seeking clarification.
8. Plan for a two-way conversation: Feedback should not be a one-sided
delivery. Prepare yourself to engage in a dialogue with the student. Anticipate
questions they may have and be ready to provide explanations or elaborations
on your feedback. Encourage the student to share their thoughts, concerns, or
perspectives during the conversation.
By being well-prepared and considering these aspects, you can ensure that your
feedback session is productive, meaningful, and tailored to the specific needs of
your students.
How can I involve my students in their personal one-to-one feedback
sessions?
Involving students in their personal one-to-one feedback sessions can empower
them to take ownership of their learning and actively participate in the feedback
process. Here are some strategies to involve students in their feedback sessions:
1. Set clear goals and expectations: Begin the feedback session by discussing
the purpose and goals of the session. Clarify the specific areas of focus and
what you aim to achieve together. This helps students understand the purpose
of the feedback and align their expectations.
2. Encourage self-reflection: Start the session by asking students to reflect on
their own work. Prompt them to evaluate their strengths, challenges, and areas
they believe require improvement. This self-reflection sets the stage for a more
interactive discussion during the feedback session.
3. Promote active listening: Encourage students to actively listen and engage in
the feedback process. Create a supportive environment where they feel
comfortable asking questions, seeking clarification, or sharing their
perspectives. This fosters a two-way conversation rather than a passive
receiving of feedback.
4. Provide guided prompts: Use open-ended questions or prompts to guide
students' thinking and reflection during the feedback session. For example, ask
them to explain their decision-making process, reflect on their progress, or
propose solutions to identified challenges. This helps students actively
participate and express their thoughts.
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5. Collaborate on action plans: Involve students in developing action plans based
on the feedback received. Encourage them to contribute ideas and strategies for
improvement. Discuss specific steps they can take, resources they can utilize, or
goals they can set to address the areas of improvement. This collaborative
approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey.
6. Use student self-assessment tools: Integrate self-assessment tools into the
feedback process. Provide students with rubrics, checklists, or reflection sheets
that allow them to assess their own work before and during the session. This
helps them become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses and
facilitates a more meaningful dialogue during the feedback session.
7. Offer opportunities for student input: Give students the opportunity to
provide their input or suggestions during the feedback session. Ask for their
perspective on the feedback received, their understanding of the areas for
improvement, or strategies they believe would be helpful. Valuing their input
fosters a sense of ownership and engagement.
8. Follow up on previous feedback: If you have provided feedback in previous
sessions, revisit those points and discuss the progress made. Ask students
about their efforts to implement previous feedback and explore the impact it had
on their work. This reinforces the importance of their active involvement in the
feedback process.
By involving students in their personal feedback sessions, you promote their
autonomy, self-reflection, and engagement in the learning process. It empowers
them to take responsibility for their growth and encourages a sense of ownership in
their academic journey.
What can be done to prevent a student from becoming discouraged after I give
them negative feedback?
When providing negative feedback to a student, it's important to take steps to
prevent them from becoming discouraged and instead foster a positive and growthoriented mindset. Here are some strategies you can employ:
1. Start with positive aspects: Begin the feedback session by acknowledging the
student's strengths and what they have done well. This helps establish a positive
tone and reinforces their confidence and abilities. It also creates a balanced
perspective by highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Emphasize growth mindset: Frame feedback in the context of growth and
improvement. Encourage students to see feedback as an opportunity to learn
and develop, rather than a judgment of their abilities. Emphasize that setbacks or
areas of improvement are a normal part of the learning process.
3. Provide constructive guidance: Ensure that your feedback includes specific
and actionable suggestions for improvement. Offer strategies, resources, or
examples that can help the student address the identified areas of weakness.
Clear guidance provides a roadmap for progress and helps the student see a
path forward.
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4. Use language that focuses on effort and progress: When delivering
feedback, emphasize the effort the student has put into their work and the
progress they have made. Highlight their growth over time and the steps they
can take to continue improving. This encourages a focus on the process rather
than just the outcome.
5. Offer support and resources: Let the student know that you are available to
support them. Provide additional resources, materials, or opportunities for extra
help. Offering support shows that you are invested in their success and can help
them overcome any challenges they may be facing.
6. Encourage self-reflection and goal setting: Guide the student in reflecting on
their work and identifying their own strengths and areas for improvement.
Encourage them to set goals based on the feedback received. This helps them
take ownership of their learning journey and fosters a sense of empowerment.
7. Provide opportunities for improvement and reassessment: Offer students
the chance to apply the feedback and demonstrate their growth. Allow them to
redo or revise their work based on the feedback received. This shows that
improvement is possible and encourages resilience and perseverance.
8. Celebrate progress and achievements: Recognize and celebrate the
student's progress and achievements along the way. Highlight the improvements
they have made since previous feedback sessions. Positive reinforcement and
acknowledgment of their efforts can boost motivation and counteract
discouragement.
Remember to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel
comfortable expressing their concerns or seeking clarification. By implementing
these strategies, you can help students see negative feedback as a valuable tool for
growth and development, preventing discouragement and fostering resilience.
Should I allow students to give me feedback on my performance as a teacher?
Yes, allowing students to provide feedback on your performance as a teacher can be
incredibly valuable. It promotes a student-centered approach and demonstrates that
their opinions and perspectives are valued. Here are some reasons why you should
consider seeking feedback from your students:
1. Student perspective: Students can provide unique insights into your teaching
methods, materials, and classroom dynamics. Their feedback can shed light on
what is working well and areas that may need improvement from their point of
view.
2. Engagement and ownership: By involving students in the feedback process,
you foster a sense of ownership in their learning experience. It encourages them
to actively engage in the classroom and take responsibility for their own
education.
3. Continuous improvement: Feedback from students helps you identify areas
where you can enhance your teaching practices. It allows you to reflect on your
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strengths and areas that may benefit from refinement, enabling continuous
professional growth.
4. Tailored instruction: Student feedback can provide valuable information about
their learning preferences, needs, and interests. Understanding their
perspectives can help you adapt your teaching methods, content, and classroom
strategies to better meet their individual needs.
5. Relationship building: Seeking student feedback demonstrates that you value
their opinions and care about their experiences. It can strengthen the teacherstudent relationship, promoting open communication and trust in the classroom.
6. Empowering students: By giving students a platform to voice their opinions,
you empower them to actively contribute to their educational environment. It
encourages them to develop critical thinking skills, articulate their thoughts, and
engage in meaningful dialogue.
When seeking feedback from students, consider the following:
Create a safe and anonymous feedback mechanism: Allow students to
provide feedback anonymously to encourage honest and open responses. This
can be done through surveys, suggestion boxes, or digital platforms.
Be open and receptive: Encourage students to express their opinions freely
and assure them that their feedback will be taken seriously. Show openness to
constructive criticism and be receptive to their suggestions and concerns.
Follow up and take action: After collecting student feedback, analyze the
responses and identify common themes or areas for improvement.
Communicate any changes or adjustments you plan to make based on their
feedback, demonstrating that their input has been valued.
Remember, student feedback should be seen as a valuable tool for growth and
improvement, and it should be used in conjunction with other forms of professional
development and evaluation.
What questions should I ask students on a feedback form about their opinions
and ideas about my class?
Here are some questions you can include on a feedback form to gather students'
opinions and ideas about your class:
1. What aspects of the class did you find most engaging and why?
Explanation: This question allows students to reflect on what specifically engaged
them in the class. Their responses can provide insights into teaching methods,
activities, or topics that resonate with them. It helps you understand what is working
well and can inform future instructional decisions.
2. Are there any specific teaching strategies or approaches that helped you
learn effectively? Please provide examples.
Explanation: This question helps identify teaching strategies that have been
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effective from the student's perspective. It allows you to understand which methods
or approaches have positively influenced their learning outcomes. The examples
provided can guide you in refining your instructional techniques.
3. Is there anything you find challenging in the class?
If yes, please explain.
Explanation: This question invites students to share any challenges they may be
experiencing. Their responses can shed light on areas where students may be
struggling or require additional support. Understanding these challenges can help
you address them and provide appropriate interventions or adjustments.
4. Do you feel that your individual learning needs are being met in this class?
Why or why not?
Explanation: This question encourages students to reflect on how well their
individual learning needs are being addressed. It provides insights into whether
students feel supported and accommodated in their learning. Their responses can
help you identify potential gaps and make necessary adjustments to better meet
their individual needs.
5. Are there any topics or areas you would like to explore further in this class?
Please share your ideas.
Explanation: This question invites students to provide input on topics or areas they
are particularly interested in. Their responses can reveal their curiosity and
preferences for further exploration. It allows you to tailor your instruction or
incorporate additional materials that align with their interests, fostering engagement
and motivation.
6. What suggestions do you have to improve the learning experience in this
class?
Explanation: This open-ended question gives students the opportunity to provide
constructive suggestions for improvement. It allows them to express their ideas and
perspectives on how the class can be enhanced. Their suggestions can offer
valuable insights and ideas for refining your teaching methods or adjusting
classroom practices.
Remember to provide a mix of open-ended questions and questions with specific
response options to gather both qualitative and quantitative feedback. This
combination will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of students' opinions
and ideas about your class, enabling you to make informed decisions for
improvement.
Note. This article was prepared with the assistance of AI, and based on the prompts
and questions I provided.
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