Student Feedback: A Guide to Providing Effective Feedback in the Classroom

Apr 18
Providing student feedback is an essential part of the job for all teachers. As well as ensuring the class stays on task, effective feedback helps boost overall learning outcomes by making students more aware of their strengths and weaknesses so they can better focus their efforts and grow.  

While providing student feedback can take some time to master for any teacher, relief teachers in particular tend to find themselves in situations where they have to provide feedback to students immediately without taking the time to get to know the class and build rapport. If you want to develop strategies to provide better student feedback no matter how long you’ve been in the classroom, read on as we break down the importance of student feedback, explore student feedback examples and best practice tips and provide an overview of the art of providing feedback to parents.  

Understanding the Importance of Student Feedback
Providing feedback to students is important for teachers as it helps students to better understand their strengths and weaknesses while boosting learning outcomes for the class. Effective feedback provides students with specific information on how they can improve, which motivates them to take action. In contrast, vague feedback may leave students confused and unsure of how to improve. 

Feedback for students from teachers is crucial in enhancing their learning and behavioural outcomes. Effective feedback can motivate and encourage students to achieve their goals, promote self-reflection and self-evaluation, and enhance self-regulation and self-awareness. By providing feedback, you are promoting a growth mindset and helping students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Student Feedback Examples  
There are two main types of feedback: formative and summative. Formative feedback is given during the learning process and is used to help students improve their work. Summative feedback is given at the end of a task or activity and is used to evaluate a student's performance. Here are some examples of formative and summative feedback: 

Formative Feedback Examples: 

  • Providing students with specific comments on their work. 
  • Asking questions to encourage students to reflect on their learning. 
  • Providing verbal feedback during a lesson. 
  • Using a classroom behaviour chart to track progress and encourage positive behaviour. 


Types of formative feedback can depend on the context as well as the learning objectives of your class. Here are some examples of formative feedback that you can provide to students: 

  • Positive reinforcement: "Well done, John. You have shown great improvement in your writing skills. Keep up the good work!" 
  • Specific feedback: "Samantha, you need to work on your punctuation. Remember to use commas in your sentences." 
  • Corrective feedback: "David, please stop talking while I am explaining the task. It is disrupting the class." 


Summative Feedback Examples: 

  • Grading assignments or tests and providing specific feedback. 
  • Conducting a peer review session where students provide feedback to each other. 
  • Providing a written evaluation of a student's performance at the end of a term. 


Tips for Providing Effective Feedback to Students
Now that you understand the importance of student feedback and the different types of feedback, here are some tips for providing effective feedback to your students: 

  • Be specific: Provide students with specific feedback that highlights what they did well and areas they need to improve. 
  • Be timely: Provide feedback as soon as possible, so students can make corrections and improve their learning outcomes. 
  • Be constructive: Provide feedback that encourages students to improve their work and avoid criticism that may discourage them. 
  • Be consistent: Use a consistent approach to providing feedback to ensure students understand your expectations. 
  • Be positive: Provide feedback that highlights students' strengths and encourages them to continue to improve. 
  • Be mindful of non-verbal cues: Pay attention to your non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice and body language. Ensure that your feedback is delivered in a respectful and supportive manner. 


Feedback for Students from Teachers: The Do’s and Don’ts  

When providing feedback to your students, there are some things you should do and some things you should avoid. Here are some do's and don'ts for providing feedback to students: 

Do's: 

  • Provide specific feedback that highlights what students did well and areas they need to improve. 
  • Use positive language to encourage students to continue to improve. 
  • Provide feedback in a timely manner to help students make corrections and improve their learning outcomes. 


Don'ts: 

  • Avoid using criticism that may discourage students. 
  • Provide vague feedback that doesn't help students understand how to improve. 
  • Avoid using language that may be misunderstood or confusing. 


Using a Classroom Behaviour Chart to Track Progress and Encourage Positive Behaviour
A classroom behaviour chart is a tool used to track student progress and provide feedback on their behaviour. It can be helpful for relief teachers who may not be familiar with the students' behaviour. The chart typically has different levels, with each level corresponding to a specific behaviour. For example, level 1 could be for students who are following the rules, level 2 for those who need a reminder, and level 3 for those who have broken a rule. When a student's behaviour changes, they move up or down the chart. 

Using a behaviour chart can be helpful because it provides a clear visual for students to see their progress. It also helps you as the teacher to track behaviour and provide feedback in a consistent and objective way. 

Here are some tips on using a classroom behaviour chart: 

  • Set clear expectations: Establish clear expectations for behaviour and ensure that students understand them. 
  • Use positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. Praise students for following the expectations. 
  • Use consequences: Use consequences to address negative behaviour. Ensure that consequences are fair and consistent. 
  • Be consistent: Use the behaviour chart consistently and ensure that students are held accountable for their actions. 

Providing Feedback to Parents  
Providing feedback to parents is an important aspect of teaching. It helps parents understand their child's progress and areas for improvement. Here are some tips for providing feedback to parents: 

  • Use specific examples: Use specific examples to illustrate the child's strengths and areas for improvement. 
  • Be constructive: Provide feedback in a constructive and positive manner. Avoid using negative language or criticism. 
  • Provide recommendations: Provide recommendations for how parents can support their child's learning at home. 
  • Be responsive: Be responsive to parents' questions and concerns. Address any issues promptly and professionally.


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