Dr. Thomas,
Excellent words to use when discussing feedback. Right on.
Thanks for your input.
Hello –
It is important to provide feedback that is constructive, non-controlling, and informative. The feedback has to be conveyed in a positive manner, that is easy to understand. For example, in cases where the student has done poorly, offer suggestions on how to quickly improve, setting aside time for school, having a flexible schedule that allows a student to be part of the class and participate timely in the assignments. This will enhance the students' desire to improve and continue to learn. Additionally, whenever a problem arises, it should be viewed as something to be addressed and not a statement about an individual's worth.
Thank you,
Dawn
I think feedback should clear, timely, and specific to the assignment.
Joy,
Right on - you're discussing the sandwich approach to feedback. Positive - Meat - Positive. I also like that you're linking it to a resource. Good job. This will help the students improve.
When providing student feedback, it's important to start with a positive comment about the work they submitted. This positive feedback should be global (focused on ideas and content), not local (grammar, spelling, etc). The feedback should also be personalized and specific to the content. Address the student by name and point out specific statements or images that resonated with you. Finally, I always like to provide a link or resource (book, documentary, etc) that will encourage the student to continue learning on their own.
Connecting with students and encouraging them to continue learning takes the feedback focus off of points earned and turns that focus, more appropriately, to continued growth and development.
Kenneth,
Right on! Tie that feedback to the objectives and help the student learn. You are on track with your comments. Thanks for your input.
The three most important components of meaningful feedback are:
1) link the feedback to the objectives
2) Point out the positives in order to encourage the student, and
3) Providing criticism for improvement.
Quiana,
Right one. It's good to give positive with some constructive feedback. Our goal is to help them improve.
Thanks!
I believe in the sandwich rule. It important, to recognize the effort of the student. Give very specific examples of areas of improvement and what they can do going forward. I think students need a plan. The question quite often is what do we do for the next assignment. Give them the details of how to apply the information and correction to the next assignment.
Catherine,
Meaningful feedback helps students improve and it's our goal to help all students improve. Thanks and keep your ideas flowing through this forum.
Meaningful feedback is critical for the student's growth and understanding. I would say the three most important things in meaningful feedback is linking the feedback to course objectives, pointing out specifically the things that the student did well and pointing out specifically the things the student could do to improve their work. Any criticism should be meaningful, specific and gentle. It is important to be encouraging while correcting mistakes or deficiencies. It is also helpful to recognize improvements in future weeks so that feedback is continuous throughout the process and not isolated week by week.
