Some advantages of oral feedback to pupils •
Immediate and context-specific – able to deal with misconceptions as they
occur and in the context of the specific learning.
•
Dynamic and adaptable – allows for exchange of ideas and is adaptable to
respective learning needs at the point of receiving.
•
Ongoing – a continuous and familiar part of a lesson.
•
Episodic – a lesson can be punctuated with plenary moments to structure
learning with reference to the objectives threaded through the lesson.
•
Stimulating – oral feedback can encourage, enthuse and stimulate.
•
Personalised – facial expressions and body language enhance feedback.
•
Versatile – questioning, modelling and explaining can all be used as means of
providing feedback.
•
Motivating – pupils like immediate oral feedback and respond easily as the
learning is fresh, and quick improvements build a feeling of success.
Continuum of oral feedback Instant, informal reply
Interim review at the end of
key episodes during a lesson to build
on learning
Planned review with individual
or groups of pupils
focusing on their targets
A suggested sequence for giving individual oral feedback in a planned review 1. Plan feedback which is positive and specific
2. Reinforce the value and importance of the pupils’ contribution
3. Focus on recent learning objectives and learning outcomes in the context of
pupil targets
4. Give the pupil(s) time to reflect and respond
5. Encourage the pupil(s) to ask questions to clarify their understanding of the
progress they have made
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6. Identify and agree the most important next steps in learning and revise pupil
targets if necessary
7. Agree immediate and longer-term actions. Clarify when these will be reviewed,
by whom, and what evidence will be sought