Module 13: Giving Feedback

Basic Guidelines for Giving Effective Feedback

1. First give the learner the opportunity to assess the situation. This sets up the opportunity to have a two-way discussion between educator and learner. Consider starting with a question like "How do you think it went?" Ask the learner to try to identify the cause of a poor outcome and what their solution would be to correct future performance. Be sure to confirm the learner's new understanding with a statement like, "Okay, now tell me how you will handle this situation in the future."
   
   
2. When delivering negative feedback, avoid historical references and avoid showing undue emotion. Don't lose your cool because over reacting will only produce defensiveness. Avoid personalizing the message and using inflammatory language. Remember to give negative feedback in private and reserve praise for public settings.
   
   
3. Be specific in your feedback message, not general. The more concrete the feedback is, the more useful it will be to the learner receiving it. Concentrate on particular points. It is easier for a learner to react to specific information than general statements.
   
   
4. Choose one or two things the person can concentrate on. Do not overwhelm the learner with too much information at once. Call attention to those areas that need the most improvement and indicate what can be and should be done. Learners should have specific ways to seek improvement.
   
   
5. Be descriptive, not evaluative. Focus on what you can see and hear. Describe your own observations without making judgments about whether the facts are good or bad. Allow the learner to share their assessment of this. Encourage them to appraise the situation and then build your discussion around their insights.

The guidelines for delivering effective feedback can be summed up in the acronym S - O - A - R:

Why does feedback often not improve performance? Think of opportunities for giving feedback and plan effective strategies for improving performance.

Feedback is a necessary tool for educators and learners to have honest relationships. It is a powerful means for communication and educational intervention. Be sure to keep in mind - feedback that is vague, ill timed, or judgmental is not as valuable as feedback that is specific, timely, and descriptive. As the person giving feedback, remember to be practical, tactful, and upbeat in your delivery!