Element 10.3: Provide frequent, specific feedback during the learning process

Why is this important?

Effective coaching is powerful in many fields (e.g., sports, business, writing) because feedback is given all along the way, not just at the end. Feedback tells the learner where to adjust and improve before a final demonstration or performance is expected. Therefore, frequent specific feedback supports learners to greater levels of success.

You might want to start here:

• Grant Wiggins article from ASCD: Seven Keys to Effective Feedback. The article explains the difference between feedback and advice; feedback and evaluation. These differences are important if feedback is to help learners improve and become more aware of how they learn.

See it in action:

• Powerful video of Ron Berger from EL Education demonstrating the power of models, critique and descriptive feedback in a first grade class.
• Elementary example of using specific praise in an elementary math class as effective feedback.