Module 13: Giving Feedback
Feedback is a form of communication that may be used as an educational
intervention. Used appropriately, feedback is a means of letting the learner
know how effective he/she are in what they are trying to accomplish.
Some learners perceive feedback as criticism and do not want to hear it. Others
only want to hear praise and nothing that might suggest imperfection.
When feedback is perceived as criticism it may seriously limit its
effectiveness. That is why as educators, we must learn the skill of
delivering feedback in its most effective form to be received by learners.
Some individuals are willing to accept feedback and may even seek it out,
knowing that they can experience growth from it. From a learner's perspective
it boils down to whether you believe feedback will benefit you or harm you.
All learners should be able to expect feedback to be given in a respectful
and supportive manner.
Most educators agree the purpose of giving feedback is to improve performance
in the future. Feedback is an important tool because past behavior is the
best indicator of future behavior. Unless something intervenes to alter the
learner's perspective, he/she will not change.