SIOP Feature #29: Boost Student Success with Regular Constructive Feedback

Giving constant feedback to students in their performance is key to learning. This feature looks at why feedback is important, what kinds of feedback teachers should give, and how to do it in a way that builds learner responsibility and learner autonomy.

Feedback is an essential component of learning.  Through feedback we learn about our own progress.  When teachers provide on-going feedback both of them benefit.  Feedback helps students notice which of their efforts have begun to bear fruit and which ones still need more nurturing.  Additionally, feedback helps teachers notice what they should be spending more time on.

• Students see where their strengths and challenges lie.  This is an empowering step (when done in a supportive manner). Understanding the benefits of embracing one's strengths and facing one's challenges is the first step in being able to create new strengths.
• Students realize why feedback is an important ingredient in the recipe of learning.  See feedback as a part of learning and not a barrier to it is a critical step in developing learner responsibility and autonomy.
• Students learn how to give and receive feedback in productive manners.  Inviting students into the process of giving and receiving feedback can be a powerful way for students to support their peers and themselves.