Overview
“Who would dispute the idea that feedback is a good thing? Both common sense and research make it clear: Formative assessment, consisting of lots of feedback and opportunities to use that feedback, enhances performance and achievement. It’s also important for you to manage your grading and feedback responsibilities in a time-efficient manner.” – Grant Wiggins
Strategies
Give Specific Feedback
Providing students with specific and descriptive feedback is helpful to ensure the students understand the expectations for a particular assignment. Avoid using general phrases like “Good job” or “Keep it up” – as these provide no specific feedback on what they did that was correct.
Give Timely and Ongoing Feedback
The more immediate feedback is given, the more useful it is. In addition, feedback does not always have to be summative but should be formative and given throughout the semester.
Give Preventative Feedback
Guide your students to success by checking in on those who haven’t been active in the course for a few days or are falling behind. By giving preventative feedback, you may be helping a student who is having trouble with a particular part of your course or is navigating a personal struggle that you are not aware of.
References
- Ron Martinez, Ph.D. (Faculty Focus): Flipping Feedback: Screencasting Feedback on Student Essays
- SHSUOnline (eLearning Support Blog): Feedback Strategies for your Online Course
- Illinois Online Network (ION): Strategies for Providing Feedback in Online Courses
- Gavin Watson, Ph.D.: Characteristics of Good Student Feedback (4:38)