GIVING FEEDBACK TO STUDENTS
Feedback has a significant impact on learning; it has been described as "the most
powerful single moderator that enhances achievement" (Hattie, 1999). The main
objectives of feedback are to:
justify to students how their mark or grade was derived
identify and reward specific qualities in student work
guide students on what steps to take to improve
motivate them to act on their assessment
develop their capability to monitor, evaluate and regulate their own learning
(Nicol, 2010).
To benefit student learning, feedback needs to be:
constructive. As well as highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of a given
piece of work, it should set out ways in which the student can improve the
work.
timely. Give feedback while the assessed work is still fresh in a student's
mind, before the student moves on to subsequent tasks.
meaningful. It should target individual needs, be linked to specific assessment
criteria, and be received by a student in time to benefit subsequent work.
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