When I provide feeback the most aspects to keep in mind are:
1 Positive tone-although students may be far from understanding the topic, I think it helps to explain ares that can be improved as well as making use of positive feedback.
2 Individualized-It helps when a student feels that the feedback it specific to them and they may also get the feel that the instructor understands there effort and can point out ways for that student to improve.
3 Timely feedback-I make sure I get back to my students within 48hrs to ensure that I give them feedback in enough time to understand what they need to improve on moving forward and so that they feel as if I care about the grades overall.
When developing a meaningful feedback for assignments or progects in an online course I think the most important thing to remember is to high light each students strengths no matter what thier grade and make note to specific details. THey should always walk away with at least one positive comment no matter the skill level. If the project is poor and they tried hard then giving them feedback on suggestions to improve as well as they gave the progect a good amount of effort. Let them know for future how they could improve thier grade.
In order to developed meaningful feedback you need to:
1) Take in consideration the diversity of your audience(students). Due to the broad access to online courses we encounter students from various walks of life with great talents and an even larger amount of experiences.
2)Concise, clear, and to the point - "Do not beat around the bush". Go staright to the point and be clear in your exposition of the facts leading to your conclusions on the student work. Do not try to impress the students. Usually they are able to perceived the truthfulness in your assessments.
3)Be timely - Your students are expect to turn in their assignments/projects in a timely manner, be respectful and respond to their efforts in kind.This will add to your credibility as a professional and as an instructor.
Robert,
Thanks for your input. Youa re right that the feedback should be positive, specific, and subject related. All of these help motivate the student to learn.
Nice job.
Mary,
Thank you for your detailed responses. You provide great information and it is obvious that you understand the material.
Thanks again.
1) Making sure that the feedback is specific to the individual.
2) Be sure that the feedback is presented in a positive, upbuilding method.
3)Be sure to keep it subject related, don't get off topic, but use examples for clarity.
1. Provide the student with what they did really well and what they need to improve upon for next time. Telling them what they do really well reinforces for the student what they know. This gives them the opportunity to concentrate on other concepts/opportunities that they may not understand as well. Builds confidence.
2. Be detailed and do not dwell on the items that are not specific to the course objectives. If it is an assignment on food culture and ethnic identity, do not dwell in the remarks how many words the student spelled wrong. Yes, do point it out but that should not be the basis of your comments in a culture class.
3. Be honest and forthcoming while being fair. Be constructive.
Dian,
I'm thrilled you are learning from this experience. It's the same format in which your students can learn from each other.
Lifelong learning is the key to life! ;-)
A shout-out of thanks to the class and Dr. Crews. I've found some valuable additions in the forums to improve my online teaching. One of the best aspects of professional development is being able to learn from colleagues...and have received the immediate and thoughtful feedback from Dr Crews. All of it keeps on giving long after the class is over.
Dian,
Wanted to add a bit more.
I love the organization of your input in these discussion boards and wealth of information. Thanks so much.
The assignments, rubrics, activities, etc. in the course must be related to the course objectives/learning outcomes. You are right on target.
Thank you.
Dian,
I love that you are employing Bloom's Revised Taxonomy. Excellent! It is also essential to make the course content/activities, etc. applicable to real life - the real life of the student.
The feedback you describe would motivate students to want to learn more. Thank you.
Debi,
Thanks for you input. The more input the better! Instructors and students may provide different feedback to help you create a better course the next time you teach or to make changes immediately (dynamic course) during the instruction.
Thanks again.
Three important things I use in meaningful feedback for online assignment assessment include:
1.) Selecting from the chapter learning objectives those that are specific to that particular assignment and stating those objectives at the beginning of the assignment details. This provides some reinforced continuity for students and a framework for increased comprehension of the grading comments.
2.) Employing Bloom’s taxonomy in both assignment and rubric development, as well as in feedback with selected key words in my comments.
3.)Valuing my feedback time with each student’s assignments is one of the most important aspects of my teaching career; as well as being very timely with feedback. I keep a positive valence on grading – providing meaningful and timely feedback is a cornerstone in the student’s education process.
Feedback is so important for students as it allows them to improve on their learning experience by incorporating the feedback they have received from their instructors. Another important tool is feedback of a positive nature, it boost a students self esteem and when we feel well, we do well!
I think feedback needs to be:
1. On-going, the feedback needs to happen throughout the course so the students know the instructor expectations.
2. Fair, feedback needs to be applied fairly to all students and not showing favortism or slamming someone because they had been a difficult student.
3. Detailed, the feedback needs to support what is contained in the course content supporting the topics and objective for the class. The feedback needs to be detailed and not confusing for the student.
Michelle,
You are on target. Thanks for your concise, yet informative feedback.
Feedback should be positive and yet constructive. Students need specific feedback to help them improve. It's a fine balance. And, you make a very good point to think about the students' skills and needs as you are providing the feedback. Each student is a differnt individual.
Nice job.
When developing feedback, the three things that I feel are the most important are:
1. Is the feedback positive, clear and explains to the student what they could have or should have done differently.
2. Is the feedback consistent with my goals
3. Did I present my feedback with the student needs and skills in mind
Beth,
Trying to stay positive with your feedback yet providing detailed, constructive feedback isn't always easy to balance, but it should be your goal. You are correct.
Student do need the personal touch especially in an online course. They need to feel like an individual and not a number.
You have commented on consistently stating the expectations in all of your postings. You obviously understand the importance in doing this.
Nice job.
1. being positive is very important to me. People work better in an envoriment that is that, even a comments used to improve a student can be constructed in this way.
2. personal - I think all students like the personal touches and having things addressed to them and their skill level is very important.
3. consistant- stating the expectation and making them stay the same for all students.
Juliette,
You are on target! Positive, constructive feedback is essential. When discussion an "appropriate timeframe," I always define "immedate" to my students. They want immediate feedback and immediate to me is 24 hours. I always try to get something back to them within 24 hours.
Thanks for your input.
