Focus on Feedback

Feedback-is one of the most powerful tools a teacher has to improve learning. (see Hattie’s effect size)

Good Feedback

• Does the feedback inform students of what they are doing?
• How is the feedback presented?
• Is the feedback presented in a non-competitive way?
• Is the feedback presented with a growth mindset?
• Does the learner participate in collecting data or analyzing how they are doing in relation to the learning target?

• Does the feedback relate to the learning target?
• What is my goal?
• Where progress have I made towards my goal?
• What actions must be taken to move towards my goal?

• Does the feedback help the student become more aware of their own learning?

Growth Mindset

• Sees academic performance as able to improve
• With work, a student can improve his grade

Fixed Mindset

• Sees intelligence as you got it or you don’t
• Students see themselves as unable to improve because they are either smart or not smart

Implications on Feedback

Fixed mindset

• “Wow, you did great, you are so smart.”
• “Nice job, you are really good at Math.”
• “You missed 3 out of the 5 questions-you get an F”

Growth Mindset

• Yet-“You haven’t solved this equation yet.”
• Already-“What do you already  know?”
• Comments are process oriented-“That is an effective strategy.”

Feedback and Formative Assessments

• Assessments are formative if they are giving feedback that is actionable and will improve student learning.