Target Meaningful Feedback

You may have heard statements about feedback like “feedback is a gift” or “the key to learning is feedback”,

but not all feedback is created equal. The tone, setting, and cadence of feedback students receive play a huge

part in how that feedback shapes their learning. Poorly constructed feedback is just as likely to slow learning

as it is to accelerate it. Online educators should consider these factors when crafting feedback for their students. 

1. Providing Supportive and Constructive FeedbackExcellent feedback should motivate, not discourage, all students. Even students who are struggling or

falling behind should receive feedback that is supportive, constructive, and encouraging. Use these

guidelines to create motivating feedback.

• Focus on the work or effort, rather than the person. Highlight specific positive qualities of the work (e.g., “I like how you supported your claim with evidence.” versus “You’re so smart!”).
• When correcting student mistakes, first try using questions that elicit the student’s thought process (e.g., “How did you arrive at this conclusion?” versus “Please support your claim with at least two pieces of evidence.”).

2. Encouraging Conversational FeedbackMany educators think of feedback as a one-way message from instructors to students that only takes placearound major assignments. However, feedback is much more effective as an ongoing conversation where

information is flowing in both directions on a weekly basis. Improving the cadence of feedback allows for

students to grow consistently, rather than simply adjusting after receiving formal grades.

• Provide opportunities for students to give feedback to you about what would improve their class experience. Consider asking about your pace, how engaged students feel, and what would help them to participate more fully. 
• Give students the opportunity to submit drafts or proposals for feedback before turning in a final product. Allow for rounds of revisions that improve the end result.

3. Conduct In-the-Moment AssessmentsStudents need guidance all along their learning journey, not just when they complete a unit or course. Formative

assessments can be conducted as formal pre-planned quizzes and surveys or informal conversational strategies

where you gently correct and guide student responses to questions. Try implementing these formative feedback

strategies to consistently shape your students thinking.     

• Use classroom questioning and discussion to make assessments about student learning and misconceptions
• Use in-class quizzes and surveys to provide feedback and adjust the pace of instruction to meet all student learning needs.