Feedback should be:
1. timely feedback so the student could correct any mistakes so they won't be repeated on the next assignment.
2. feedback should be positive
3. use the sandwich effect with the feedback
Janet,
Meaningful feedback can be positive and constructive at the same time. When you are consistent and timely in your feedback, it benefits students. Thanks!
I think that feedback must be positive and not critical to reinforce the learning as well as to not discourage the student. It also needs to be timely - it is not as significant if it is delivered too late to make a difference in learning. Finally, feedback needs to provide enough specificity to give the student a complete reflection of the strengths and weaknesses of their work.
Rich,
Detailed, motivating and postive are great things to discuss when talking about meaningful feedback. Thanks for your input.
John ,
You use good words to describe meaningful feedback: timely, unique, positive, and constructive. But, you are right - it can have negative effects if not done properly. Thanks!
The three most important things for meaningful feedback is:
1. Detail as to what the gap between where they are at in the individual areas of the rubic and excellence.
2. Making the gaps future focused and in language that is motivating making them believe they can achieve briging that gap in future assignments.
3. Always, always mention positive aspects of anything that is assessed.
It is imperative that feedback is provided in a timely fashion. Additionally the feedback must be unique to the individual paricipating and must provide positive as well as constructive critcism. Feedback can be a powerful tool if managed properly, but can have significant negative effects if mishandled.
Kimberley,
You are using good words in your description of meaningful feedback: positive, constructive, improvement. This does develop into a win/win situation and help motivate the students. Thanks!
Meaning feedback should:
Be positive- encouraging the good that the student has presented
Offer constructive suggestions and comments- to help the student to improve on future tests or assignments
Frequent- I think that students have to know that you are looking out for them and value the work that they are doing. I think that in turn they will present the best work. This presents a win/win situation for both instuctor and student.
Shari,
It takes time to develop a process in which you feel comfortable giving constructive, meaningful feedback, but it is essential. I find that when I act more like an editor when giving feedback on student's writing that is helpful. I also find that if I ask questions instead of just "dumping" feedback, the students think more about the learning process and how to improve. Thanks for your input.
Michael,
Learning Is a process and so is the development of meaningful feedback. The connection between the learning outcomes and the assignments/project is a necessary component of the learning process. Nice job.
Developing feedback is something I continue to struggle with. I have issues with the amount of detail in my feedback. I know this is important for the application of the learning in the assignment, but for some reason I find I do not have the words for how to help the student. As a result I use "canned" feedback, which is not personal enough for most students and tends to make my gradebook look like I rubber-stamped all assignments. Consistent use of rubric should help both of these issues, if I am thinking correctly. The three most important things to remember about feedback then are: detailed feedback, personalized feedback, and consistent feedback.
The three important things to remember about giving student feedback:
1. It should be provided as early as possible to help students improve earlier during the course.
2. It should frame the feedback as something that can be improved in later assignments, since learning is a process.
3. It should connect clearly to the goals and rubrics established beforehand.
Lawrence,
The key is in the criteria in the rubrics. But, well-built rubrics help both the instructor and students. Thanks!
Erina ,
Positive and constructive criticism should help get the point across and help student learn from what they are doing. Thanks!
Ola,
We do all provide feedback in a variety of ways, but the key is to provide meaningful feedback. The feedback should help students improve. Thanks for your input on this forum.
It is important to use Rubrics and to outline to students what they did wrong and what they did right. The feedback should be specific and should refer the student to additional resources.
You should always praise the positive points. Preferably first. You should also point out specific things the student did wrong. In addition, to giving them ways to improve
Faculty and instructors might have different methods when it come to feedback; as it is usually impacted by the topic taught as well as the students (audience) in class as well.
However, there are common concepts when it comes to grading and providing feedback on assignments and projects:
1- Constructive and formative feedback, provided not only feedback on what was "incorrect" in assignments, but what students could do to improve on upcoming assignments as well.
2- Timely Feedback for assignments and projects. That will allow students to review the instructor's comments and come back with questions. Also, a personalized feedback can go a long way to reach out to students.
3- Using a well-explained and consistent rubric. That allows the students to understand what the expectations are from one assignment to the other.
Sandra,
Thank you for your detailed input. You bring up many good points and I appreciate you adding to the conversation. Thank you.
