Wise Feedback (also known as Hammond's “Asset-Based Feedback Protocol")

Levels PK-12 Content - Any

Providing timely feedback to students is so integral to teaching that we rarely stop to think about what makes it effective or ineffective, particularly for our students of color.

Zaretta Hammond (2015) addresses the challenge of providing feedback that doesn’t create anxiety and moves students forward in their learning. She cites research from Cohen and Steele (2002) documenting that students of color were more likely to receive “cushioned” feedback that minimized errors and provided little direction for improving performance. Cohen and Steele offer “wise feedback” as a solution. Wise Feedback is corrective feedback that first affirms the student’s capacity to meet the goal or standard, tells him honestly where he missed the mark, gives him actionable steps to improve his learning, and helps him monitor his progress.

READ

There are 9 steps to wise feedback, many of which teachers commonly do as part of their practice. By intentionally planning for the 9 steps, students are more likely to be receptive to the feedback and take on the next challenge.

LISTEN

In this podcast, Hammond talks about how teachers can become trainers of cognition...empowering students to take on the cognitive load.

PRO TIP

Pro Tip! Schedule wise feedback conferences routinely during independent or collaborative practice time. As you get started, use the "sounds like" tool as a support.

WISE FEEDBACK: WHAT MIGHT THE STEPS SOUND LIKE?