Topic 8 Feedback

Feedback is also an important component of communication in the classroom/group.

There have been many studies focusing on feedback in recent years.

It has been shown that positive feedback (i.e. praise) builds students/participants’ confidence – making them more likely to believe that they can succeed – and helps to create a supportive environment and increase academic success.

Negative feedback is used more often in the classroom/group than positive feedback, and many researchers have argued that this should not be the case. While negative feedback can help students/participants to improve – for example, by changing their behaviour, or trying harder at a task ) – it does also contribute to conflictual relationships with students/participants.

Finally, you should give students/participants the opportunity to give you feedback on your lessons or teaching styles. This shows that you value their opinion, increases communication between you, and helps you to improve your teaching and their learning.