Feedback
Feedback is an essential aspect of learning. How can teachers make it more relevant and helpful to students?
Thank you for sharing your ABC method. I will certainly attempt to incorporate those ideas into my feedback.
'Timely' is not an issue for me because we are required to grade and respond within 3 days of submissions. In order to provide specific feedback I create generic positive and directive instructional responses based on the objectives and requirements for each assignment. For example, "Your paper clearly discussed the differences between CBI and e-learning." Additionally, I have identified key APA errors and noted where to find the correct information in the APA manual. For example, "Review section 6.11 as it relates to citing one work by one author." It takes some forethought and effort in the beginning, but having those basic responses written make it easier to acknowledge something individual within the assignment.
Beverly C. Montgomery
Alfretta,
Thank you for these comments on feedback and the value of it to students. As you mention feedback is more than just giving information about an assignment or test it is a growth opportunity for students. In addition, feedback helps to establish respect and rapport between and among you and your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In discussing feedback, first of all, I think that an Instructor’s Expectations list should be posted in the online classroom so that students know what to expect during the class session. I also think that a grading rubric should be prepared and made available to students so that they can follow the road map of the rubric – this document provides a guideline for what is expected relative to assignments.
It should also be noted that without effective feedback (noting what students did right and what was incorrectly done), mistakes go uncorrected and good performance is not reinforced. So instructors must understand the role that feedback plays in the learning process
Matthew,
The increase in deliberate effort on a per communication basis is definitely there. Good observation.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Deliberate feedback in an online environment is even more essential. In a classroom there is a natural give and take between student and teacher created by proximity. This doesn't happen as much by itself in an online environment. It is an instructor's responsibility to take steps to create that feedback loop.
Discussion board area is very important communication tool between the instructor and students.I found it is very important to address the student by his/her first name and personalize my feedback to his/her discussion. Also, I found its useful for the students to get involved in the discussion. One way I have done is to post additional question within the same topic of the DB
Hi Robert,
I would like to add to feedback being specific and timely. I try to also Acknowledge something the student has expressed within the assignment they have submitted. Then I try to Build their concept or comprehension by adding a personal experience or relevant course content. Then I try to Conclude with either question or statement that requires further inquiry to provide an opportunity for the student gain further perspective, if desired. This is the ABC approach. It is system which I have adjusted to my approach to online instruction.
Robert,
My two cents....Many students seem to indicate that some instructors do not provide specific and timely feedback. Many times the deficiency in specifics is overcome by providing a comprhensive example or ste-by-step modeling the accomplishment of the objective. The instructor demonstrating transference from theory to application can often make the 'content' much more relevant. Audiovisual communications are often very helpful to accomplish this in the online classroom.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
