formatHaving taught for over 20 years the feedback cycle has been the ever important part of a teachers tool kit to support learning. Lets face it, there’s nothing better for a student to get a ‘well done’ or a call/ postcard/email sent home for the parents to read. I personally love it when my daughter (in preschool) gets a certificate stuck in her bag saying how well she is doing.
Feedback has really developed over the last 5 years and is readily seen as one of the most important contributors to student progress. In this Blog I will attempt to examine the different techniques that may work for you!
Firstly, recall is an important part of feedback, this may be used at the start of the lesson check on what has been learnt previously, last lesson, last week and last month. This will allow you to check what content may need examining again. A good example of this for my self is the photosynthesis equation or components of the blood.
Ensure feedback is being given during the lesson, you will need to check learning for this to happen. Referring back to the lesson objectives and building on questions is very important to check progress. Don’t be afraid to ask the students if they understand the key concepts. Its very important to go with your ‘gut’ if you sense they are struggling do not move on!
When in class think about group work so students are sharing ideas with each other. Paired work, after you have posed a question. Ensure that you check learning by getting them to feedback. Independent work is very important as it give students the tools to be able to cope and solve problems on their own. Giving them a sentence starter to help them respond is always a great way to develop confidence and literacy.
The verbal feedback you give is very important, allowing students to feel comfortable when communicating in-front of peers. ‘Thank you for contributing’ ‘well done on your response’ ‘how could you extend your answer further’ are all important ways of providing positive feedback.
In terms of written feedback it is vital that students respond to your comments. You should be posing question that are extending there knowledge further or areas where they need to improve after assessing work.
For me its about making feedback a positive experience, allowing students to feel confident and comfortable when responding both verbally and in written format. By ensuring good quality feedback will only ensure positive outcomes for students.
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