Written feedback
Effective feedback depends on pupils being clear about what is expected of
them and what they can expect from the teacher. Pupils should expect the
feedback they receive to explain what they have done well with reasons, and
where and how they can improve. Where this is the case they are more likely
to engage with its content.
The learning objectives and learning outcomes should be used as the
benchmark for the teacher’s oral and written feedback. They should be
shared and made clear to pupils in advance of attempting the task. For
example, if the learning outcome for the pupil is to be able to write a letter to
a headteacher persuading him to agree to a school council, it is not
appropriate for the feedback to concentrate simply on spelling and grammar
– it should focus more on the use of appropriate conventions for persuasive
writing in a formal context which will have been taught beforehand.
Pupils should be given written feedback that provides clear evaluation of
their strengths and weaknesses, prompts further thought and reasoning, and
identifies the next step in their learning.
To be able to identify the next steps in pupils’ learning, teachers need an
understanding of subject progression and to be able to recognise pupils’
misconceptions and difficulties.
Quality feedback • Feedback to any pupil should be about the particular qualities of his or her work,
with advice on what he or she can do to improve, and should avoid comparisons
with other pupils.
• Feedback has been shown to improve learning where it gives each pupil specific
guidance on strengths and weaknesses, preferably without any overall marks.
Inside the black box Black and Wiliam (1998)
Factors to consider in written feedback: • pupil expectation
• teacher expectation
• shared learning objectives
• shared learning outcomes
• ideas of progression
• recognition of pupil misconceptions and challenges