Getting feedback is an important part of learning to solve problems. The way you give that feedback can make a big difference in how it will motivate (or deflate) students. Here are approaches to keep in mind that you can use when students seek your help in solving problems.
11 Tips for Giving Feedback to Students
1. Care
Begin by showing that you are interested in the student. You care about her or his learning, growth and success.
2. Confidence
Be clear that you’re giving feedback because you believe he or she can do it.
3. When and Where
Give feedback that’s timely (but not before he or she is ready). Give it privately to avoid embarrassment.
4. Specific
Describe specific actions or behaviors you noticed that can be changed and practiced. Give concrete examples.
5. Strengths and Gaps
What was he or she doing that helped? What was getting in the way? Knowing both increases learning.
6. Listen, Then Share
Listen first for his or her ideas for steps to improve, then offer additional ideas.
7. Connect to Goals
Talk about the student’s goals and how the actions helped achieve the goals.
8. Build Confidence
Reinforce the student’s self-feedback and ideas for growth. This builds internal motivation and commitment.
9. Reaction
Pay attention to reactions. Does the feedback ring true? Does he or she understand? Is it overwhelming?
10. Doable
Don’t overwhelm. Identify one or two changes that can make a difference now, and focus on those.
11. Repeat
As he or she tries new things, keep giving feedback that helps her or him grow. Celebrate progress along the way.
Jostens partnered with Search Institute to provide research-based data and advice for dealing with common school challenges. Over the past 30 years, Search Institute has studied the strengths and difficulties in the lives of more than five million middle and high school youth across the country and around the world to understand what kids need in order to succeed. Like Jostens Renaissance, Search Institute focuses on young people’s strengths, rather than emphasizing their problems or deficiencies. Visit SearchInstitute.org to learn more.
Below you will find the full Turning Problems into Possibilities guide. Click the button to download a PDF with class activities, statistics and research around problem solving.
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