Effective Feedback

Below are some scenarios to keep in mind as we start exploring why feedback matters and ways to provide feedback effectively.

As you read a scenario, notice which person you relate to the most and if there is anything you immediately think you would have done differently.

Scenario 1

A TA is helping a student who is having trouble figuring out how to get started on an assignment. For every piece of advice the TA offers, the student asks for more detail. Finally the TA gets frustrated and says, "You need to figure this out yourself. I'm not doing the whole assignment for you."

Scenario 2

A student goes to see a TA about a concept from class that's giving them trouble. The TA's explanation uses several terms the student doesn't know, which makes them feel even more confused. When the TA pauses to check with the student to see if the are following, the student says, "Your explanation makes no sense."

Scenario 3

A TA is writing feedback on a student's coding assignment. The code is very disorganized and doesn't work the way it is supposed to. The TA writes, "I don't understand this, and it looks like you don't either."