The Power of Student Feedback
As we approach the mid-point of the school year, many of us will take the break as an opportunity to reflect, consider changes in our practice, and to plan for the remainder of the school year.
When we reflect and consider changes to our practice, we have lots of sources of data to help inform us of our progress. We have student achievement data, evaluations from our principal or supervisor, student grades, anecdotal records, and feedback from parents and colleagues.
However, many teachers fail to tap the most valuable source of feedback – their students.
In most classrooms, overt, direct feedback goes solely from the teacher to the student. We give them grades, written feedback on their work, verbal feedback and direction regarding their behavior, and dole out the rewards and incentives when they meet expectations. Yet rarely do we afford students the chance to give such feedback, advice, and suggestions back to us. The argument can be made that students are the very best source of feedback