5 Reasons Why You Should Try Multimodal Feedback

From research and experience, we know that feedback is most effective when it is applicable, timely, and meaningful. With advancements in technology, we now have alternative ways to provide feedback other than in writing. Multimodal feedback–a combination of using audio and visual modes–is an easy and productive way to help students feel more connected to you and the content. 

What are common ways to give multimodal feedback? 

1. Record audio. By recording comments as you are going through the assignment, the student hears your voice and is included in your process of assessing their work. 
2. Record screen share. Another option is to record your screen in Zoom as you’re going through the assignment, leaving comments, asking clarifying questions, and demonstrating where the student could improve within the context of the assignment. 

Why should I use multimodal feedback?

There are advantages that can benefit both you and your students when giving feedback that is both visual and auditory. For example, multimodal feedback can: 

1. Increase student understanding of how they can improve. Simply giving a grade based on a rubric without any meaningful comments leaves little room for student improvement. 
2. Provide students’ control of video speed and slow rate of speech to help in comprehension. This proves to be especially effective for non-native English speakers. 
3. Allows you to convey care and interest in student progress and growth through the tone of your voice. This can also aid in disarming a student who may commonly  become defensive when receiving feedback in writing. 
4. Enhance teacher-student relationship by making your thought process more transparent and accessible to students. This helps students discover how you interpret the rubric and takes the mystery out of the grading process.
5. Increase the quality of the feedback you provide. Educators have been found to provide more nuanced and meaningful feedback when using many forms of communication.

However you decide to provide feedback to your students, the best approach is always to include it as part of a process. Consider using multimodal feedback in the first stages of any large project, with time for revisions, so students can build off of your suggestions and improve overall.

Source: 

• Campbell, B. & Feldmann, A. (2017). The power of multimodal feedback. Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education (2)2, 1-6. https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/ctlle/vol2/iss2/1