Mark,
When the students actually get in the field, they will see how to implement what they have learned. They'll be able to provide valuable feedback. Sometimes it's hard to keep in contact with them to continue getting feedback.
Nice job.
Most of an instructor's feedback should come when the student is in the field. The younger generation struggles with authority while learning something; which I believe the real value is never seen by a student until they are place themselves in a real enviroment.
Tina,
Asking a similar question helps students transfer their skills. That's important. Immediate feedback typically has to be defined. What students may think is "immediate" = 2 minutes and what I think of as "immediate" (depeding on how many students I have in the class) can be 24 hours.
I've had 200-400 students in one online class and "immediate" is the word I define first. ;-)
Thanks!
When developing feedback for my online course, Algebra, I believe the three most important things to remember are immediate, accurate, challenging. For a challenge, I like to ask a similar question to which I expect a solution via email or discussion.
Angela,
Thanks for your input. Starting with positive feedback is a good place to start and then make sure your feedback is constructive and not "destructive" and another person in this class stated.
Your feedback should help students improve.
Nice job.
When giving feedback I find it important to first focus on what type of feedback method matches best with the assignment at hand. Then the feedback must be positive in nature, individualized so the student feels it is important and specific to their work, and detailed (generic feedback is not helpful and does not provide a good learning opportunity).
Earle,
Right on with your "constructive and not destructive." Starting with the positive, but giving feedback that helps students grow is necessary. Thanks!
1) Providing enough specific detail to help them improve their work and understand what/why they did right or wrong
2) Trying to turn-around feedback in a timely manner so it remians relevant
3) Constructive not destructive
Aaron,
Right on. Being timely in your feedback is important. I think it's also essential that you tell your students what "timely" is - 24 hours, 48 hours or whatever standard you set.
Connecting the feedback to the objectives helps the students understand why they are doing what they are doing.
Nice job.
1) It needs to be timely
2) Should always be concise and constructive
3) Must always tie into the objectives.
Quick feedback while the task and actions are fresh in the mind
Never overwhelm the student with "word salad" or demeaning feedback or sarcasm
Be sure to tie all information into the objectives so their reflection will lead them down a path of more clarity in the future.
Karen,
You are right on when you discuss tone as a factor in feedback. It's important to start with something positive, but still give constructive criticism to help students grow from the process.
Setting up a schedule is great for online learning. I tell my students they will get feedback on discussion board postings within 24 hours, but many graded assignments take more time. But, I always let them know when they can expect your response.
Rubrics are very helpful sto students can evaluate their own work before turning it in. And, you can be more consistent in your feedback to all students.
Thanks.
Also rules are definately important for students to follow, such as using complete sentences in respones, not using slang and the amount of feedback that is required.
When developing feedback for asssigments/projects that are integrated into an on-line course some of the most important things to remember are:
1. Tone and wording, your tone should be positive and communication free flowing, open up the line of communication requiring that the student responds back to you 2. Also should be as soon as possible. I notice sometimes students get really frustated when their on-line instructors do not respond back right away. Maybe let them know your schedule up front and the possible time zone difference. 3. If the student replied incorrectly refer the student back to the content or the rubric so that they clearly know what they did wrong.
Robert,
Thanks for you input. You bring up very good points. I agree that learning outcomes are very important. The students must understand what is expected of them and then the feedback should be based on the outcomes as well.
Providing the rubric up front helps them understand the expectations, how they will be assessed and help the instructor be consistent with feedback. You're right the instructor sets the tone for all of this.
Thanks again.
When developing meaningful feedback for assignments/projects integrated into your own online course, what do you believe are the three most important things to remember?
Of all the important aspects involved, it is challenging to pick the three most important. I think it is of utmost importance to keep in mind the synergies to be gained by integrating all aspects – they are all important.
However, I would start with a focus on the learning objectives of the course. Feedback must be focused on the student’s achievement of the course learning objectives in a manner that motivates student focus on the objectives and provides them an accurate measure of their level of achievement.
This measure of the student’s level of achieving the learning objectives must be timely. They must have knowledge of their progress before beginning the next module so they can gauge how they are doing and adjust to position their approach for the next module.
Integrated with my first two priorities is the quality of the feedback. Specifically, students need specific and detailed feedback in order to make appropriate adjustments to improve their performance. The feedback must be couched in language they can transfer to their learning of the content of their next module.
Student use of the rubric for self-assessment and peer-assessment is a great idea, and something I am taking away from Module 3 of EL103. It puts a responsibility on the instructor to set a good example of assessment. And, it really exposes students to insight for emphasis on learning objective focus.
Tawanda,
Thank you for your thoughtful and organized response to this forum. You are correct in that time, rubrics and communication are very important.
I have a 24 hour turn around for my communication, feedback and assessment whenever possible. It's good to set you guidelines and let the students know up front.
Thanks again.
I definitely agree with "timely reponse" because when I was an online student I did not like when I did not get feedback within at least 2 to 3 days. I felt like I was being ignored. Professionalism is key in the online environment. We should model professional behavior towards our students so that they will do the same. I like providing my students with at least 2 to 4 announcements or updates a week to avoid them asking too many questions. One student actually e-mailed me and stated that I answered all of their questions before they even asked and answered some that they had yet to ask...lol.
I believe that the three most important things to remember when developing meaningful feedback for assignments/projects in online courses would be the follow:
1. Time: How time consuming with the process be and how quickly will you be able to provide the student with feedback. Students want authentic feedback -- the sooner, the better.
2. Rubrics: Having these posted on line for each assignment is essential when it comes to the student know the expectations for the assignment. Knowing the expectations will help them in preparing the assignment and potentiall earning a better grade and ensuring comprehension.
3. Communication: The tone and manner in which we communication the feedback is also important. We should communicate feedback, good or bad, in a positive manner with respect. We should also be timely in how we communicate and provide feedback.
Susan,
I agree. Many times instructors think they should just provide feedback (usually in a summative format) and that's the end of that. But you are right, it should enhance the learning process and help the students and instruction continue the conversation about improvement.
I have said before to students, "I don't understand what you don't understand." That's because we needed more communication.
Thank you.
I think that feedback is only meaningful if it simulates a conversation. In other words, it should be timely, specific, and lead to more conversation.
When I say this, I am thinking of our Discussion Boards which are part of our online courses. If a topic has been assigned, and the student responds to it, I feel I should respond within a reasonable timeframe (timely). I should respond to that student's post (specific). Beyond that, however, I think it is useful to pose another question or concept and ask the student for a response (conversation), especially if my feedback is any type of correction or elaboration on the student's posting. I like to have the student reply to me so that I can see if they understand the additional thoughts I've listed.
