SECTION 4 - FEEDBACK

The Importance of Feedback

• To give the learner confidence.
• To bolster the learner’s self-esteem.
• As a valuable learning tool.
• As a resource for the learner to improve their performance and knowledge.

Types of Feedback

Whether the learner has achieved or not, feedback should always be given and must be constructive in its nature. There is almost always something positive which can be said about any piece of work produced by a learner even if there are some serious flaws. The positive aspects should be commented on first. Any criticisms of the work should be amended by positive advice about what improvements need to be made before it reaches the appropriate standard. Feedback can be oral and/or written and can be given immediately or at a later date depending on how long it would take the assessor to mark a piece of work.

Adapting Feedback for Learners with Differing Levels of Confidence

The less confident and experienced learners need to be encouraged with very great emphasis on the good or satisfactory aspects of their work with clear and positive advice given to help them to improve certain aspects of the work to reach the necessary standard.

These learners would also be more likely to need detailed oral feedback in addition to written feedback, as the personal contact would be more reassuring.

The language used in giving feedback may also need to be adapted according to the skills and experience of different learners.