Why is writing feedback important?
Over the years, we have listened to our parents and elders why writing is so beneficial.
Over the years, we have listened to our parents and elders why writing is so beneficial.
We have often realized how strong the need for teacher-led writing is for children that reinforces the basics. Countless times parents reported that whenever they try to give feedback on their child writing, they often ran in the following problems:
Children tend to take criticism of their writing assignments very personally.
Parents also not aware of how to give constructive feedback.
Parents do not know how to point out errors without making the child feel incompetent as a writer.
Who can provide the feedback?
Writing is a very personal endeavor. Students or children are often reluctant to hear criticism or feedback on their writing skills from their parents. When words come from your heart and someone, even our parents, find fault in those words, it’s impossible not to feel dishearted.
As per the surveys, when the feedback comes with a valid objective and given by an experienced teacher, the students continually take the criticism less personally.
How constructive feedback boost writing skills?
The primary goal of writing feedback is to help the young writer understand the opportunities for improved writing.
Its often believed that the first draft is our best effort.
But there is always room for improvement like almost always some text can be added, updated, or removed for more impact on the reader.
Yes, there is room for corrections as per the feedback, but when the modifications are done with encouraging support, a motivated writer is born!
Examples of constructive feedback?
Do not say directly that the work is incorrect because it can lead students to think that the work is too hard. Sometimes students give up and stop trying.
Try to use positive phrases to motive and share feedback such as
“That’s a really great, but perhaps you…”
“You’re on the right path, but you’re not quite there yet.”
Often students think that they may look stupid or ignorant for not knowing the answer to a tricky question. As a result, they do not try to attempt it. Help them understand that ideas are genuine and valued. The following phrases can be helpful.
“Thank you for that idea! How about…?”
“That’s a tricky one, isn’t it?”
It’s a proven fact that students who feel empowered or connected inside the classroom are more likely to take risks in learning. Showing them the value of their input with example phrases like
“I appreciate the idea! But how about?”
“Anyone would like to add to what __ said to help us get to the right answer?”
“ I love your suggestion!”
Help students learn why and how they can avoid the mistake.
“Can you elaborate more about how you figured that out?”
“How did you arrive at your answer?”
Students often remember the positive feedback they received previously and remind them that it can reduce mistakes.
“Do you remember the last time how we solved this error?”
“Think about it one more time.”
Tips for constructive feedback
Don’t go overboard
If a student’s writing often results in many mistakes, try to appreciate the little success achieved.
It boosts the confidence. Also, for starters, too much or insincere praise can result in low expectations hence demotivating.
Correct Quietly
Nowadays, students care a lot about what their colleagues or peers think of them.
Even constructive feedback can go in vain even if it’s well-intended because it can be read as an attack on them and their ability. It also often leads to fear of failure.
Kindly follow the whisper correction technique, which describes that the feedback technically takes place in public, but the pitch and tone of voice need to be heard only by the individual receiving it.
Don’t Compare
Often teachers tend to compare student’s work rather than focusing on student feedback for individual development.
A recent study found that often a comparison between peers results in the following
Selfish Behaviour
Low confident
Unable to control emotions
Anxiety
Academic Performance pressure.
Be Specific
When something is good, be specific about it because students often assume what was good about it. Often result in unusual perceptions, especially when you are a teenager, because it is difficult to understand other people’s perspectives and thought processes.
For example, rather than saying “excellent work”, say the way you did the work was excellent.
End with clear action points
It’s the most vital step for constructive feedback because any feedback does not result in change.
There must a point or logic to it that why you want to do it differently? The more detailing of the action points, the better.
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