by: Laarni G. Balcita
Teacher III, Antonia Manuel Magcase Elementary School
Providing feedback basically means giving and exposing the students to an explanation of what they are doing accordingly or not accordingly as expected from them. This has something to do with tracing and evaluating them if they are on the right track of development. It is most productive to a student’s learning since they will be provided with a clear explanation as to what is accurate and inaccurate about their work.
Feedback is any response regarding a student’s performance or behavior. It can be verbal, written, or gestural. Basically, the purpose of feedback is to improve the learner’s performance. It is essential that the process of providing feedback is a positive, or at least neutral, learning experience for the student. Negative feedback can discourage student effort and achievement. Teachers have the distinct responsibility to nurture a student’s learning and to provide feedback in such a manner that the student does not leave the classroom feeling defeated.
The recent issuance of the first quarter report card would take a lot of reflection on the teacher’s part since the priority is to acknowledge and celebrate their strengths. However, the negative side of their performance should not be left behind since these will be the basis for what possibilities can be made for them to be able to catch up with the lesson. Much attention to the weaknesses must be given but the gentle process of delivering them to the learner.
Several characteristics of effective feedback can be made to ensure development among the learners, according to the University of Carolina for Teachers Excellence, these are some processes.
Characteristics of Effective Feedback
Educative in Nature
Providing feedback means giving students an explanation of what they are doing correctly AND incorrectly, with the focus of the feedback on what the students is doing right. It is most productive to a student’s learning when they are provided with an explanation as to what is accurate and inaccurate about their work. One technique is to use the concept of a “feedback sandwich” to guide your feedback: Compliment, Correct, Compliment.
Given In a Timely Manner
When student feedback is given immediately after showing proof of learning, the student responds and remembers the experience about what is being learned more positively. If we wait too long to give feedback, the student might not connect the feedback with the learning moment.
Sensitive to the Individual Needs of the Student
It is vital that we take into consideration each individual when giving student feedback. Our classrooms are full of diverse learners. Some students need to be nudged to achieve at a higher level and other needs to be handled gently so as not to discourage learning and damage self-esteem.
Answers the 4 Questions
Studies of effective teaching and learning (Dinham, 2002, 2007a; 2007b) have shown that learners want to know where they stand in regards to their work. Providing answers to the following four questions on a regular basis will help provide quality student feedback.
• What can the student do?
• What can’t the student do?
• How does the student’s work compare with that of others?
• How can the student do better?
Provides a Model or Example
Communicate with your students the purpose for an assessment and/or student feedback. Demonstrate to students what you are looking for by giving them an example of what an A+ paper looks like. Provide a contrast of what a C- paper looks like. This is especially important at the upper learning levels.
Teachers play a significant role in giving feedback to learners regarding their assessment exams or performance tasks which is a very important input and valuable resource that allows teachers to grow, enhance, and adapt teaching practices applicable to individual differences of the learners. It is through giving feedback allows the teachers to be sensitive to the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of the learners. To take feedback is to consider, the result of whether to provide development or ruin the life of the learner.
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