Chapter 6 of 67 min
Feedback that helps people learn
Feedback improves performance only when it is specific, timely and usable. Good feedback describes what was done, its effect and one clear next step.
Key ideas
- Specific beats general: name the exact behaviour.
- Focus on the next attempt, not the person.
- One clear improvement is more useful than many.
Step by step
- 1
Ask the learner how they think it went.
- 2
Name one thing done well and why it worked.
- 3
Name one thing to improve and show what better looks like.
- 4
Agree when they will try it again.
Example
Instead of 'good presentation', a mentor says: 'Your opening statistic grabbed attention. Next time, slow down on the results slide; try pausing after each number.'
Your drill
Give feedback to one person this week using the four steps, and note how they respond.
Common mistakes
- Vague praise or criticism that cannot be acted on.
- Listing every problem at once.
Check yourself
What makes feedback usable?
Show the answer
It is specific, describes the effect and gives one clear next step.
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