Obstacle identification

Drago-Severson and Blum-DeStefano (2016) review the literature on feedback. They found four common obstacles to effective feedback: the need for more effective feedback, the skill and knowledge of the person delivering feedback, the complexities of evaluation in a "culture of nice", and the call for fuller understandings of feedback receivers. An awareness of these obstacles and strategies for addressing them supports the effectiveness of quality feedback.

Feedback is prevalent in our schools, but there is a need for it to be broader, deeper, and more effective (Drago-Severson & Blum-DeStefano, 2016). Hardavella et al. (2017), list some of the barriers to effective feedback. Two barriers related to effective feedback are when feedback is generalized and not related to something specific, and when there is a lack of advice for improvement (Hardavella et al., 2017). To improve this area, assess feedback by evaluating both the methods used and the environment in which feedback takes place (Drago-Severson & Blum-DeStefano, 2016). This process includes taking a look at bot the external and internal features of feedback (Drago-Severson & Blum-DeStefano, 2016).

(Click the video to the left to hear expert LeeAnn Renniger discuss giving effective constructive feedback)

"A crucial component to the sucess or failure of feedback is the person in the role of feedback giver" (Drago-Severson & Blum-DeStefano, 2016, p. 22). The skills and knowledge of this person impact effectiveness of the feedback. (Drago-Severson & Blum-DeStefano, 2016). If there is a lack of respect for the person or if the person has a fear of upsetting colleagues, this impacts the success of feedback (Hardavella et al., 2017).

Drago-Severson & Blum-DeStefano (2016) cite the third theme in feedback challenges as the frequent occurrence of avoiding difficult feedback. This can be because of defensive behavior or resistance, as well as a lack of confidence (Hardavell et al., 2017) or a desire to maintain a positive environment (Drago-Severson & Blum DeStefano, 2016). Limiting feedback to positive only impacts the effectiveness of feedback.

(Click the video to the left to hear tips on how to handle a difficult conversation)

A final obstacle to quality feedback is the need for receivers to be receptive to feedback (Drago-Severson & Blum DeStefano, 2016). It takes effort to learn to improve in receiving feedback continually, but by doing so, the feedback receiver can more effectively implement change based on feedback received (Drago-Severson & Blum DeStefano, 2016).