Feedback
Provide feedback that is constructive, noncontrolling, and informative. 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.
Marcia L. Brown, PhD, PMP
Denise,
I like the use of rubrics to provide detailed feedback, but I always try to provide comments as well. Thanks!
Providing meaningful feedback has always been difficult for me. It is easier for me to use a rubric and then it is more concrete. I don't like the fact when the assignment is more subjective and I have to tell what I think the information is better in some cases and not in others.
Denise Haynes
Marshall,
Positive, constructive and on target. All good words to describe meaningful feedback. Thanks!
And the feedback has to be offered in a positive manner, conveyed in a manner that is easy to understand, and 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.
Elizabeth,
Yes, starting with positive is good. ;-)
Dr. Tena B. Crews
I always do the same; before pointing out what is wrong, I tend to compliment the student on what he/she did right; then, will point out what he/she did wrong.
Melissa and Alicia,
I like that topic of "Understanding my Instructor's Suggestions for Improvement." That allows for more feedback and clarification if necessary. Nice job.
Alicia,
Excellent point, the student should have a clear idea of their strengths and weaknesses in their assignment but also a sense of direction for future assignments. One thing I like to do in my online classes is offer a mini chat session (20 minutes or so) called "Understanding my Instructors' Suggestions for Improvement." In the chat, I give them examples of feedback phrases I often utilize as well as specific suggestions for what to do in future assignments if they happen to see those comments in my assessments of their work.
Alicia ,
It is good to be positive yet provide constructive feedback to help the students improve. Thanks!
Agreed Marcia! I find that if I always start with a positive comment about what the student achieved in light of the objectives of the assignment it really helps with getting the student to listen to the rest of the comments. I try as well to narrate back to the student all the elements of the assignment that they responded to and what they might do differently next time.
Marcia,
I particularly like your comment about addressing the problem/issue and not the person. It is the best way to help students move forward in their learning. Thanks for your input.
