Below are a few tips from the Coursera Teaching & Learning team on giving really effective, helpful feedback. What do you find helpful when it comes to receiving feedback from someone?
F.A.S.T Feedback
Good feedback has 4 characteristics; it’s feed-forward, actionable, succinct, and timely.
A Note About Tone: Begin your feedback with at least one positive comment. Be respectful and constructive by starting out with positive feedback first, before giving your critical feedback.
1) Feed-forward:
Feed-forward feedback tells learners how your feedback will help them succeed in future assignments or reach their goals related to what is coming up in class. Feed-forward feedback is focused on goals and the future. That’s why it’s important to give learners a forward reference point.
Feed-forward Feedback Examples
Implementing this feedback will help you do better on the next peer review assignment.
Making these changes will help you code faster, so you will be a more efficient programmer.
Not feed-forward feedback Examples
Think about this feedback carefully.
You should make these changes.
2) Actionable:
Feedback should be specific, useful, and provide actionable information. For example, saying “good job!” or “you didn’t follow the instructions” are not actionable or useful. What specifically should the learner do more or less of next time? It might help to cite specific content from the learner’s submission.
Actionable Feedback Examples
I like how you answered the question in two paragraphs, as the instructions asked for. One way to improve it can be….
Please limit your answer to 2 paragraphs of 5-8 sentences each.
Your charts convey all the required information. It can be made more readable by changing the axis limits.
You commented on the business’ financial position but did not include supporting data. Include specific profitability and liquidity data to support your argument.
Not Actionable Feedback Examples
Good job!
This is too long.
Your chart isn't very clear.
Your argument isn’t strong. It’s not very clear.
3) Succinct:
Good feedback is detailed but short, and focuses on only the most important things to improve upon. Pick 2-3 key pieces of feedback that learners should focus on. Change based on this feedback should make a significant, positive difference in their next draft.
4) Timely:
The sooner the feedback, the better. Feedback should ideally be given within one day and no longer than 2 days after submission, although this isn't something you have much control over on Coursera.
