Feedback

Definition

Feedback refers to the information provided to learners about their performance or understanding, aimed at improving their learning and skills. It can come in various forms, including verbal comments, written critiques, or performance data, and is essential in guiding learners to recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. Effective feedback fosters growth by offering specific, actionable suggestions, encouraging reflection and deeper engagement in the learning process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feedback can be formative or summative; formative feedback is ongoing and helps guide learning during the process, while summative feedback evaluates learning at the end of an instructional period.
2. Effective feedback is timely; when provided soon after a task or assessment, it is more likely to impact future learning positively.
3. Specific feedback that focuses on both what was done well and what needs improvement tends to be more helpful than vague comments.
4. Feedback should encourage a growth mindset by emphasizing that abilities can be developed through effort and persistence.
5. When learners are involved in the feedback process—by self-assessing or reflecting on their work—they are more likely to take ownership of their learning.

Review Questions

• How does formative feedback differ from summative feedback in supporting student learning?
  • Formative feedback is intended to be ongoing throughout the learning process, helping students understand their progress and adjust their strategies for improvement. In contrast, summative feedback occurs at the end of a learning unit or assessment and is primarily evaluative. Formative feedback aims to inform both the learner and instructor about areas needing attention, whereas summative feedback provides a final judgment of student performance.
• In what ways can effective feedback promote student agency in a learner-centered environment?
  • Effective feedback promotes student agency by empowering learners to take charge of their education. When students receive constructive and specific feedback, they can set personal goals and identify pathways to improvement. This collaborative approach encourages them to reflect on their own learning processes and outcomes, making them active participants rather than passive recipients of knowledge.
• Evaluate the impact of incorporating student-generated feedback on both peer interactions and overall classroom dynamics.
  • Incorporating student-generated feedback fosters a collaborative classroom culture where students feel valued and respected as contributors to each other's learning. This practice enhances peer interactions by encouraging constructive dialogue, accountability, and mutual support among learners. When students engage in giving and receiving feedback from one another, it not only reinforces their understanding but also builds a community of trust and respect that positively influences overall classroom dynamics.

Related terms

Assessment: A systematic process of evaluating a learner's knowledge, skills, and competencies through various methods such as tests, observations, or projects.

Reflection: The process of thinking critically about one's own learning experiences and outcomes to gain insights and enhance future performance.

Goal Setting: The practice of identifying specific, measurable objectives that learners aim to achieve in their educational journey, often guided by feedback.