Understanding and Providing Effective Feedback By Barb Smith

Understanding Feedback Before students can understand what feedback is and why it is important students must first grasp the concept of the learning process.

The Learning Process Being aware that most new learning follows a process is connected to first understanding that all learning is on a continuum.

Learning Continuums Most learning occurs on a continuum and the sooner students grasp this notion, the earlier they will begin to understand how learning is a process that requires time, engagement and hard work. Once kids genuinely get this concept, they will approach tasks in a new light. They will begin to value the hard work it takes to show growth and appreciate that constructive feedback aides in their success.The realization that it is okay to take small steps and that everyone has strengths and areas of growth is always reassuring to them.

Shared Learning In order for my students to truly understand that all learning is on a continuum and follows a process, I decided to use learning to juggle as a way to instill this concept. We tracked our progress Had on-going conversations about what we were learning Gave each other feedback and celebrated our growth Discussed how our learning transfers to writing and other areas

Our Juggling Continuum

Examples of Continuums

What We Learned As we progressed through the year, we took time to stop and record our learning. The students soon realized that what they were learning about from juggling could easily transfer to all learning.

Feedback Understanding the purpose leads to more engagement, growth, and the ability to transfer the skills to writing and other areas of the curriculum and life!

Transferring the Learning As writers my students came to the following conclusions: We know that we will keep making the same mistakes if someone does not point it out to us and show us how to correct it When giving feedback, you should start with something positive before mentioning areas to improve You need good feedback to grow as a writer

Written Feedback

Peer Feedback

Feedback Strategies from How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students My Reflections for Writing Feedback Timing Timing is key to having effective feedback; however, it is the most difficult strategy. I have learned to be selective on the work I do choose. Amount For second graders, it has to be in smaller amounts and the message has to be a known understanding of the writing process.

Mode. I have been trying to vary the types of feedback I give by Mode I have been trying to vary the types of feedback I give by using oral and written comments and simple rubrics. The written approach takes the longest amount of time but creating an effective rubric is the most difficult to do. Audience I feel I provide a good balance between individual and whole group feedback. I have established that feedback is an integral part for growth to happen; therefore, making it easier for the students to accept.

Discuss feedback at the beginning of the year. My Understandings: Students need to understand the purpose of feedback before they can accept and use it effectively. Feedback needs to vary depending on the student, time allotted, and purpose for giving it. Goals for next year: Discuss feedback at the beginning of the year. Provide more written feedback with my students writing since parents and students felt it was the most effective.

Hearing from the Kids

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. ~ Ken Blanchard