How Important is Feedback?

Most would agree that the benefits of feedback are well known. Not only does feedback open up the communication channels between teacher and student, but it also creates a paper trail of sorts.

Feedback comes in many shapes and forms. In-class, and out-of-class feedback should both be utilised in order to help students or teachers keep track of their progress and work-ons. I must admit that I have a preference for written feedback, but that’s just me.

Teachers can give feedback verbally as well as non-verbally. When teachers notice something worth highlighting, they will often let their students know in real-time by smiling or by mentioning something.

Most important of all, it encourages self-reflection which is essential when learning or teaching a language. If students or teachers can learn to take an honest moment to think about what worked and what didn’t then it will be much easier to recognise mistakes, and hopefully self-correct.

Try out the following if you’re a teacher:

1. Be specific and concise. When you give feedback, make it personal and suggest some practical ways to improve. I struggle with conciseness to be honest, but I can’t stress this point enough. Sometimes, less is more.

2. Frame it in a positive way. A compliment or a positive comment goes a long way. Feedback should motivate students to keep trying and improving. It shouldn’t deter students from making mistakes.

Example: “I was really impressed with how you were able to express your thoughts when you shared some travel stories with me. Next time, try using some transition words like first, then, next, and finally.”

3. Limit yourself to two or three points. It’s quite tempting to point out every mistake, and I’ve done this one too many times. I recommend focussing on mistakes related to the lesson’s language point, as well as some mistakes that the student has already studied in previous lessons.

As a teacher, try to put yourself in the shoes of your students, and think about how you would like to receive feedback.

Try one of the following if you’re a student:

1. Keep a notebook. Make note of useful words, phrases, key language points and draw a doodle or two. It’s one of the best ways to help you retain more of what you’re learning. I recommend getting an actual notebook, because it will help you to become less dependent on digital devices. Plus, there’s something beautiful about writing something by hand in my humble opinion.

2. Talk to your teacher. Teachers also need feedback if you were wondering. The best teachers are open minded, and willing to hear you out. Let them know if you’re considering studying a different course or if you want more lessons on a specific topic.

3. Learn to receive constructive feedback. Remember to be open to feedback: positive or constructive. Feel free to ask your teacher some questions in order to get some clarity.

As a student, remind yourself that most of your mistakes, if not all of your mistakes can be great learning opportunities.

Further Reading:

1. Ellis, R. 2009. Corrective Feedback and Teacher Development. L2 Journal, 1 (1), 3-18. Gipps, C., McCallum, B., & Hargreaves, E. (2000).

2. What makes a good primary school teacher? Expert classroom strategies. London: Routledge Falmer.Khairani,I & Refnaldi, R. (2020).

3. English Teachers’ Oral Feedback In Teaching And Learning Process Journal of English Language 4.

4. Teaching Volume 9 No. 1. Lyster, R., & L. Ranta. (1997). Corrective feedback and learner uptake: Negotiation of form in communicative classrooms. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 19, 37-66.

5. Mackiewicz, J. & Thompson, I. 2013. Motivational Scaffolding, Politeness, and Writing Center Tutoring. The Writing Center Journal, 33 (1), 38-73.

6. Tunstall, P., & Gipps, C. (1996). Teacher feedback to young children in formative assessment: a typology. British Educational Research Journal, 22(4), 389–404.