Module 13: Giving Feedback

Types of Feedback Delivery

Of course the opposite end of receiving feedback is giving it! Some people are very skilled at giving feedback effectively and welcome the opportunity to do so. Giving effective feedback is a skill that can be learned.

How you deliver feedback is very important. To be effective, you must be sensitive, honest and worthy of trust when giving feedback. Just as there are positive and negative ways to receive feedback, there are effective and ineffective ways to deliver feedback.

Ineffective (Negative Delivery)

• General / Indirect — Feedback is vague and aimed at broad issues
  
  
• Attacking / Insensitive — Feedback is aggressive and with little concern for the needs of the learner
  
  
• Poor timing — Feedback is given long after the prompting event
  
  
• Impulsive — Feedback is given thoughtlessly with little concern for consequences
  
  
• Judgmental — Feedback is evaluative and often demeaning

Effective (Positive Delivery)

• Specific / Direct — The focus of the feedback is clearly stated
  
  
• Supportive — Feedback is delivered in a non-threatening, encouraging manner
  
  
• Descriptive — Feedback focuses on behavior that can be changed
  
  
• Good timing — Feedback is given as close to the prompting event as possible
  
  
• Thoughtful / Helpful — Feedback is well considered and intended to be of value to the learner