Feedback Techniques
What is the Sandwich Method?
It’s a feedback technique where positive feedback is given, followed by constructive feedback, and ends with positive feedback
How would you respond to a student who has consistently turned in incomplete assignments?
“I’ve noticed that you’re turning in partial work. Let’s talk about strategies to help you manage time so that you can complete everything.”
What’s a positive way to rephrase “You’re wrong”?
“Let’s look at this from a different angle” or “I can see your thinking; let’s explore some alternatives.”
What happens when feedback is too vague?
Students don’t know what to improve or continue doing, leading to confusion or a lack of progress.
What is the “zone of proximal development,” and how does it relate to feedback?
Describe the Feedforward technique
Feedforward focuses on giving suggestions for future improvements rather than criticizing past mistakes.
What feedback would be constructive for a student who misunderstands a major concept?
“Your approach was creative, but I think there’s an area where I can help clarify. Let’s review the concept together to make sure it’s clear.”
How could you encourage improvement without focusing on mistakes?
"You’re on the right track; here’s how we can build on your strengths even more.”
Why is it important to avoid feedback that sounds judgmental?
Judgmental feedback can harm a student’s confidence, making them feel defensive rather than open to growth.
Explain the difference between formative and summative feedback
Formative feedback is ongoing and supports learning during the process, while summative feedback evaluates learning at the end.
Why is being specific more effective than general praise?
Specific feedback provides clear guidance, helping students understand exactly what to improve or maintain, which aids in targeted growth.
Give a feedback example for a student who is disengaged
“I’d love to hear what interests you about this subject. Is there anything we can adjust to make it more engaging for you?”
Give an example of feedback that promotes student self-reflection
“How did you feel about your approach to this? Is there anything you might adjust next time?”
What is “overloading” feedback, and why should it be avoided?
Giving too much feedback at once overwhelms students, making it hard for them to focus on any specific improvements.
What role does feedback play in a growth mindset?
Feedback focused on effort and strategies fosters a growth mindset, helping students see challenges as opportunities to grow.
What is meant by “timely feedback”?
Feedback given soon after a task is completed, ensuring that it’s still fresh in the student’s mind, which increases relevance and encourages immediate improvement.
What feedback would encourage a struggling student to keep trying?
“I can see the effort you’re putting in. Let’s keep working on small steps together. Each improvement you make will add up!”
What’s a phrase to encourage a student’s efforts rather than their results?
“I can see the hard work you’re putting in, which is a huge part of getting better!”
Why shouldn’t feedback focus solely on errors?
ocusing only on errors can be discouraging and doesn’t acknowledge areas where the student is doing well, which is essential for balanced feedback.
Define “self-regulated learning” and its connection to feedback.
Self-regulated learning involves setting goals, monitoring progress, and reflecting on outcomes; feedback supports this by guiding students on how to improve and adjust.
how “growth mindset language” should be used in feedback
Growth mindset language emphasizes effort, improvement, and the possibility of growth. Instead of saying, “You’re naturally good at this,” use “Your effort and hard work have led to great progress!”
How would you provide feedback to a student who resists feedback or doesn’t act on it?
“I understand it’s not easy to make changes. Let’s focus on one small area and see how it impacts your work. I believe this can make a difference.”
How would you phrase feedback to focus on process rather than outcome?
“Your effort in organizing and planning this assignment was very strong. This process will keep benefiting you as you progress.”
Explain why comparing a student’s work to another’s can be detrimental.
It can lower self-esteem, foster competition rather than collaboration, and may lead to negative feelings about their own abilities.
What is “scaffolding” in the context of feedback, and how does it benefit students?
Scaffolding involves providing support structures in feedback that gradually reduce as the student gains independence, fostering confidence and skill-building.