Effective Feedback

1. Effective Feedback “The more effectively we give and receive feedback, the more likely we are to promote learning - that of our students’ as well as our own” (Piccinin, 2003) Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

2. Effective Feedback Merriam-Webster defines Feedback as “the transmission of evaluative or corrective information to the original or controlling source about an action, event, or process.” Effective feedback is when the transmission of information promotes learning, increases drive, strengthens self-esteem, and leads to a deeper relationship between the giver and receiver. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

3. Effective Feedback Learners need feedback to keep them motivated and productive. Learners use feedback in a course to help improve their grades and strengthen their learning. Allowing them to develop a sense of accomplishment in that particular course and in their education. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

4. Effective Feedback There are many different types of feedback utilized in a educational setting including summative(pass or fail), formative( assessment of a persons knowledge and skill level), verbal feedback(written or oral descriptive), and non-verbal(voice tone, gestures, or body movement). Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

5. Effective Feedback Good Feedback includes respectful and well-rounded criticism. It is delivered as soon after the event as possible, which allows it to be fresh in the receiver’s mind. Positive feedback should be part of the process along with the constructive criticism part. The giver should have the receivers best interest at heart. The giver should have the experience needed to accurately evaluate the event. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

6. Effective Feedback Bad feedback includes no possible solutions or poorly given constructive criticism. It is delivered to far past the event and doesn’t allow for improvement until it is to late. Most people can handle some constructive criticism but, all negative is more than most will be able to handle. Bad feedback focuses on elements outside the control of the receiver. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

7. Effective Feedback When giving effective feedback the following considerations should be applied: it should be solicited, attentive, caring, and respectful in delivery, collaborative, well-timed, clear and direct, specific, directed at behavior the person can change, focused on limited behaviors, balanced, and provide direction for improvement. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

8. Effective Feedback Giving Effective feedback When giving feedback it is important to be specific, to be clear and direct, to show empathy for the receiver, provide suggestions for improvement, and control your emotions. Make eye contact with the receiver, balanced body posture, maintain a comfortable physical distance, and have a steady voice. Remember the end goal is to use the feedback to enhance performance. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

9. Effective Feedback Receiving feedback When receiving feedback the receiver should listen to the feedback being presented attentively. It is a good idea to repeat back the comments to insure they were understood correctly. Ask questions for clarification on any part that is not clear to the receiver. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology

10. References • Piccinin, Sergio.(2003). Feedback: Key to Learning. Halifax, NS: Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Acadia Institute for Teaching and Technology