Episode 147 - 3 Dos and Dos Effective and Efficient Feedback

I discuss the do's and don'ts of effective feedback for students. The do's include identifying one specific area for improvement, providing clear directions, and scheduling follow-up sessions. The don'ts involve avoiding overwhelming students with too many areas for improvement, not giving grades along with feedback, and avoiding excessive corrections. By following these guidelines, teachers can provide impactful feedback that promotes student growth and development. Chapters 0:00:00 Introduction to the Effective Teaching Podcast 0:00:19 Three Do's of Effective Feedback 0:02:18 Three Don'ts for Effective Feedback 0:06:14 Tips for Efficient Feedback with Impact Long Summary In this episode of the Effective Teaching Podcast, we delve into the essential do's and don'ts of providing effective and efficient feedback to students. We begin with the do's, highlighting three key strategies. First, it is crucial to identify one specific area for improvement in the student's work. This could involve enhancing their language skills or deepening their research. By focusing on one aspect, we can effectively guide students towards tangible progress. The second do involves providing clear directions on how to make the desired improvement. It is essential to offer specific instructions, guiding the student on what steps they can take to enhance their work. By offering actionable guidance, we empower students to take ownership of their own growth and development. Lastly, we emphasise the importance of scheduling a follow-up session with the student. This allows for a check-in to ensure that the desired improvement has been made. By establishing a deadline or timeline, we create accountability and motivate students to stay on track. Shifting to the don'ts of feedback, we highlight three key points to avoid. First and foremost, it is vital not to overwhelm students by focusing on every aspect that needs improvement. Instead, teachers should prioritise one area at a time, addressing the most impactful improvement first. Additionally, we strongly advise against giving marks or grades along with feedback. Research has shown that grades can discourage students and hinder their motivation to make improvements. Instead, we advocate for providing feedback in a way that encourages students to strive for enhancement, rather than focusing solely on the numerical outcome. Lastly, we emphasise the importance of avoiding excessive corrections and edits. Instead of using a red pen to mark every mistake, we recommend employing a highlighter system. This allows us to pinpoint areas that require improvement while also acknowledging the strengths of the student's work. By striking this balance, we create a feedback environment that is constructive and supportive. By adhering to these do's and don'ts, teachers can provide impactful feedback that promotes student growth and development. We hope you found this episode insightful and encourage you to subscribe to the podcast and sign up for email updates on our website, teacherspd.net, to access additional teaching resources and become a more efficient teacher.