The 2nd Asia Pacific Conference for Adolescent Success

The Feedback Loop: Examining the Purpose, Challenges, and Methods of Effective Feedback

Cindy Barnsley - IB MYP Coordinator, United Nations International School Hanoi & Shannon Kerry - IB MYP/DP Language and Literature, Grade 8 Team Leader, United Nations International School Hanoi

Research, such as John Hattie’s meta analyses (2008), confirms that one of the most significant ways to enhance the learning of young adolescents is by providing effective feedback. But what makes feedback effective? And how does a teacher facilitate this integral part of learning? Teachers spend significant time providing feedback without always being aware of its impact, positive or negative, on student learning. Our presentation will offer an overview of the current research and a range of practical strategies.

Comparisons of conventional and contemporary feedback help teachers reflect on their own pedagogical practice. The presentation will discuss how a reconceptualization of what effective feedback looks and sounds like helps students to build on their strengths, develop independence, and self-regulation. Developing strategies to ensure that feedback is timely, personalised, and actionable is the focus of an action research project that we are currently undertaking at our school.

A reconceptualization of feedback requires us to look at the following questions:.

• How can we ensure that students use the feedback we give them?
• At what stage in the learning cycle is feedback most impactful?
• Is there a particular style and language one should use when providing feedback?
• How can technology enable different types of feedback?
• How can we adjust our pedagogy to move from “teacher-owned” feedback to a more collaborative model?

This session will provide educators with practical tools and strategies to innovate their approaches to feedback.