In a compelling session at MoteCon 2023, Stephanie Howell and Greta Sandler explored how effective feedback can empower and engage students for positive change. This presentation highlighted the transformative potential of feedback when integrated thoughtfully into educational practices, offering educators actionable insights to enhance student growth.
• Effective feedback should be specific and actionable to foster student improvement.
• Utilizing feedback tools like Mote can facilitate more meaningful and personalized communication.
• Feedback with a high effect size, such as 0.73, indicates significant student progress.
• Criteria-based feedback using rubrics can identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Constructive feedback should focus on future improvements rather than past failures.
Feedback is a powerful tool in education, but its effectiveness hinges on how it is delivered and received. Stephanie Howell and Greta Sandler emphasized the importance of moving beyond generic comments such as "great work" or "needs improvement." Instead, educators should strive to provide specific, actionable feedback that guides students in their learning journey.
One of the session's highlights was discussing how specific feedback, akin to the example "your essay demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic and your arguments are well supported with evidence," can significantly impact student learning. This type of feedback not only acknowledges student strengths but also offers clear guidance on areas for improvement, such as revisiting the conclusion for a more concise summary.
Mote, a voice recording tool for Google Workspace, can be an invaluable asset in providing effective feedback. By leveraging Mote, educators can offer personalized, voice-recorded insights that students can revisit as needed. This approach not only saves time but also adds a personal touch, enhancing student engagement and understanding.
Stephanie and Greta referenced John Hattie's research, which underscores the importance of implementing feedback effectively. A 0.73 effect size in feedback correlates with significant student growth, highlighting the potential of well-delivered feedback to accelerate learning. However, this requires moving beyond simple praise or criticism to provide constructive, criteria-based feedback.
For feedback to be truly impactful, educators should focus on the following best practices:
Implementing rubrics or other evaluative criteria can help educators identify specific strengths and gaps in student work. This structured approach allows for more consistent and objective feedback, enabling students to understand what is expected and how they can improve.
Feedback should be framed in a way that emphasizes growth and future improvement rather than solely focusing on past shortcomings. By highlighting potential pathways for enhancement, educators can inspire students to take proactive steps in their learning process.
Stephanie Howell and Greta Sandler are passionate educators dedicated to improving instructional practices through effective feedback. Their expertise in educational technology and their collaborative work at MoteCon 2023 provide valuable insights for educators seeking to make a positive impact in their classrooms.
Explore with Stephanie and Greta on how to design and cultivate a culture of open communication and foster positive transformation within your classroom.
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