A practical workshop focused on developing educator's feedback practices. This workshop outlined a strengths-based approach to supporting students' learning and positively impacting student-teacher relationships.
In September 2023, BEL+T ran a practical workshop on evidence-based approaches to feedback practices. The two-hour session aimed to provide faculty teaching staff with knowledge and skills to strengthen their existing feedback practices. The objectives of the workshop included:
- Exploring strength-based approaches to delivering student-centred feedback,
- Examining the role of feedback in shaping student-teacher relationships,
- Identifying the 'roadblocks' of effective communication,
- Engaging in practical activities to refine existing skills for constructing student-centered feedback,
- Providing a platform for sharing and reflecting on teaching experiences with fellow ABP educators.
Workshop Topics
The workshop examined and unpacked feedback practices through the following topics:
- Impacts of Feedback on Student-Teacher Relationships:
The workshop explored the importance of student-centered feedback and its role in creating an environment where students feel valued and understood. Participants examined the reciprocal impact of positive student-teacher relationships on students' learning experiences and how these relationships are influenced by feedback practices.
- Introducing Communication Roadblocks:
This section introduced the concept of communication roadblocks, which are barriers that hinder effective feedback exchange. Participants explored how these roadblocks could adversely affect feedback practices, potentially stifling the open communication channels necessary for effective teaching and learning.
- Recognising Roadblocks:
This section highlighted the importance of being aware of communication barriers during feedback exchanges. Participants delved into the various circumstances under which these roadblocks occur, discussing their effect on feedback exchange and ultimately the student-teacher relationship. Through interactive discussions and scenario analyses, participants were guided on how to identify the impacts of communication roadblocks on both students and their learning experiences. This exploration aimed to equip educators with the knowledge to navigate around these roadblocks, fostering a more effective feedback delivery process.
- Anatomy of Student-Centred Feedback:
This section highlighted the anatomy of good feedback. Participants explored the characteristics of impactful constructive feedback and discovered how adopting a student-centered approach could significantly enhance the feedback process. Through discussions and practical exercises, attendees learned how to tailor their feedback practices to better meet the needs and expectations of their students, thereby promoting a more fruitful learning experience.
Workshop Resources
The accompanying resources produced for the session can be found below:
- Finessing Feedback Workshop Slides
- 12 Roadblocks to Effective Feedback Table
- BEL+T's Feedback Guide for ABP Educators
Further Resources
If you would like to learn more on feedback-related topics, please feel free to take a look at the following resources:
- ABP Great Feedback Convos - This BEL+T hosted event examined student feedback literacy and how the ABP faculty is supporting its development at a subject level and in the classroom.
- BEL+T's Feedback Literacy & Practice Guide - The quality of feedback provided to students is unquestionably important but developing students' feedback literacy skills is just as critical. This guide outlines how educators can support students to develop their feedback literacy towards developing their capacity to engage in the feedback process.