The Sandwich Method of Feedback
Somewhere along the way, I learned the sandwich method of providing feedback to students. The method basically starts with something positive and ends with something positive and then sandwiched between the the positive feedback is the critical feedback. I like this method because it starts positive and ends positive.
Has anyone else used this method?
Yes, I teach online courses and the school requires us to use the sandwich method for feedback. We start with addressing them by name, then a positive compliment, constructive correction, motivating comment, and then our signature. I will admit with the students I have it's often difficult to find something positive to say, but it's always good to say something like "you've got a good start..." etc.
What's also difficult is not using judgmental language like "you should have" and not following up a positive comment with a "but" or "however." I've only been teaching online (and teaching in general) for about a year and it took a while to get used to giving feedback in this manner and always finding a positive in the assignments. But, I know that giving nothing but negative feedback doesn't do anyone any good. People respond to encouragement and constructive ways to improve their work.
Tim,
Maybe instead of the sandwich method it should be the Mary Poppins method :-) I like your analogy. Constructive feedback should be just that...constructive not destructive. I might when I get pressed for time I forget to include a few positive notes and include only the key facts and concerns. When I do, I usually hear about it on student evaluations.
Herbert Brown III
Any time you offer criticism it is a tremondous opportunity to instruct or offer an opportunity of growth. I agree a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down, I learned that from Mary Poppins! Not only are you encouraging the participant with respect and professionalism, you are also showing you care enough about their future to offer suggestions to foster their growth.
Eleanor,
They appreciate the positive even if there is little to be positive about. It is much more motivating for them than just critical feedback on all assignments.
Herbert Brown III
Yes, I am always trying to keep this in mind when writing grade comments. Sometimes is more challenging when a student has really missed the mark with an assignment but I try to find something positive to say no matter what the grade.
I use it similarly to traditional approaches. I recognize the student for the good elements of their post, tactfully offer alternate options and/or as them to clarify their position, and end by thanking them for their active involvement in the course.
No, I've never taught an on line class. What I would do if I was teaching one is to use the method this way. Give the student an example of something they did very well. Next you would point out how they could of done better on the execrise you are concerned about. Finally you would show other examples of work done that they should use as examples of what they can accomplish.
Lauren,
So how would you use it in your online courses? Do you have any specific examples?
Herbert Brown III
Yes! As a professional soccer coach it's important to use this style when discussing performance, game situations and out comes.
I couldn't agree more. We all like to know we are doing a good job or working on improvement. I work at a University where we have online virtual classrooms where the students have a set time (2 hours a class twice a week)to meet and participate in lecture and class activities.
Even with webcams and microphones, some students are reluctant to participate in class. If they receive constant negative feedback they will most likely participate less. It helps in the live environment to say something like, you are on the right track and then have a follow up question. Also, i have found it helpful to praise them for being willing to provide an answer even if it isn't exactly the one I was looking for that particular situation.
I also like to encourage additional participation by integrating the students comments in the discussion and giving credit to the student for their response.
Again, by not being face to face with our students provides challenges because it takes more creativity to build a rapport with them and to know their academic/personal strengths and weaknesses. Constructive feedback is necessary for the students to grow and improve. Some students receive constructive feedback better than others. It is our job to find the best in our students and encourage them to shine!!!!
Jeffrey,
Certainly there are situtations where it is hard to come up with a positive comment, but you can always tell the students it is a good start or they are heading in the right direction. This is more of a "neutral" statement, but it is still better than just sending them criticism all the time. Constant criticism will have a very negative effect.
Herbert Brown III
This is a great suggestion. I've never heard of this method before. Are there situations where it is hard to find a positive to comment on?
Jodi,
Yes, it is a very positive method for providing feedback. It also helps to build student self esteem. If they only receive the critical feedback all the time, they begin to feel like they are not doing anything correct.
Herbert Brown III
Ryan,
At least you give them something they can build on.
Herbert Brown III
Yes, I have! I have found it to be a valuable form of feedback. But at the same time it can be difficult to find something positive to say to some students! The best I can come up with is, "you have a good start. Keep working on..."
