Meaningful Feedback
I teach a course HRM Procedures, after students complete an American Service practical.
I specifically note one thing each student is excellent or extremely special at.
It makes the student feel individualized and proud of a specific accomplishment.
Suzanne and Albert,
In grading writing assignments, I have stopped reading them and make a note on the paper that the mistakes noted earlier in the paper are being repeated (i.e., verb tense issues, spelling errors, etc.). I believe in my assessment I serve as a basic editor as if I was with a journal. Editors don't rewrite the document, but provide input to make it better. Thanks!
Suzanne and Patricia,
You both bring up good points and make it obvious that you believe feedback should be meaningful. The connection you refer to should definitely help improve communication and help students move toward the learning outcomes.
Albert:
I also spend more time providing feedback for the poorly written assignment. However, I do provide a sample of poorly written or grammatically-challenged sentences with some improvements to illustrate how the sentence could have been more effectively written. This process ensures that the student is able to have an example from which to improve future assignments. I never re-write the assignment for the student and I do not correct every grammatical error. I have had many students in the past thank me for giving some examples of improved communication as they generally comment that it is rarely received, but much valued, feedback.
Suzanne
Patricia:
I believe that meaningful feedback should be as individualized as possible, that is, it should be clear that student's work is what is being assessed by addressing the student by name at the beginning of the feedback comments and that some specific comments be provided with a copy and paste of the elements being referred to, such as a part of the sentence, etc. If a student feels that he/she is being addressed specifically and informally, this will result in a better connection, which should improve the communication.
Suzanne
Albert,
Right one. Our feedback and peer feedback should be seen as a learning experience and should help the students improve. Thanks!
Feedback is my opinion is a learning experience for the student. A student will perform poorly if they did not understand the material or if the student misunderstood the assignment.
In my experience I spend more time writing feedback for the poorly written assignment. I prefer in this case to return the entire document with a preface stating a general set of comments. Within the assignment I post comments and suggestions along with WHERE THE STUDENT SHOULD HAVE FOUND THE APPROPRIATE information. Identifying the sources of information is the most productive feedback when a student has "missed the point." At this point we can discuss later the reasons for "missing the point"
Any by the way I never correct spelling errors or correct a poorly written statement. I just note that to the student as friendly gesture to improve the quality.
Patricia,
Yes, meaningful feedback helps students understand what they did wrong and it should help them improve as well. Nice job.
Meaningful feedback can definitely boost a student's confidence,words of encouragement can go a long way when it comes to the student continuing the course and putting forth the best effort
Diane,
Good point. Sometimes you can speak directly with the student to make sure he/she understands how to improve. Nice job.
I think mentioning something that a student is doing well is a great way to start a conversation. It prioritizes their skill and also gives them confidence. I would also talk to them directly about anything the need to change or reassess.
Jeffrey,
I always find something positive even it if it "Thank you for turning in the assignment on time." or "Your work is complete." or "You have formatted the paper properly and used the proper font." or "The report is the proper length." Anything positive is the best way to start even if it is something small. Hope this helps.
When there is not positive feedback to provide, what is the best way to approach feedback that does not contain positive comments?
Valerie,
Encouragement can be provided in many ways: meaningful feedback, discussion boards, self-assessment, peer-assessment, etc. Thanks!
I think that, as an instructor, it is very important that we encourage our students as much as possible
Jesse,
Jesse,
Thank you. Feedback is the key.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Positive and Constructive Feedback are very important in any learning environment. Some individuals may react better to constructive and some individuals may react better to positive feedback.
Shannon,
Yes, starting with the positive is essential. Thanks for your input.
I fully agree. A commendation first provides the student with a sense of accomplishment and allows them to receive the correction for other items in a less discouraging way.
Christine,
Thanks for your input. Begin positive is very important. When students understand that the instructor wants to help them improve, they are more motivated to do so.
Nice job.
