Providing feedback is a vital part of successful teaching, that is how pupils learn how to progress. Feedback is one of the most powerful influences on learning and achievement, but this impact can be either positive or negative. The type of feedback and the way it is given can be differentially effective.

Feedback should

• Encourage

• Make pupils think or act

• Be timely

• Be well delivered

Types of feedback

Written

One of the most common methods of providing feedback is written feedback but it is time consuming.

Verbal

It can be a more time-efficient alternative to written feedback, and it can occur within the lesson where it can be used by pupils immediately.

Whole class

Feedback is given to the entire class, perhaps using an exemplar, and picking up on common strengths or errors. Whole-class feedback offers teachers a method of high-quality feedback that is specific, actionable, and time-efficient.

Peer

This strategy trains pupils to comment on the work of their peers. The interactive exchange involved may benefit learning for those giving the feedback and develop the pupils’ interpersonal skills.

Digital

Digital technology provides two main benefits. It is efficient feedback (speed and ease) and it is timely, providing on the spot feedback to pupils.

• What methods of feedback do you use?

• Is there a whole school approach?

• What issues have you encountered with giving feedback?

• How could these issues be addressed?

• Is there one form of feedback that I use with a pupil/group of pupils that I think works effectively?

• Is there one form of feedback that I use with a pupil/group of pupils that seems to have little impact?

• How can I make feedback more meaningful for my pupils?

• Is there another colleague I can work with on developing more effective feedback?

• What class am I going to start with?

• What planning will I have to do?

• 13 Practical Examples Article

• Seven keys to Effective Feedback article by Grant Wiggins