What role does feedback play in student learning?

Feedback is a crucial component of the learning process, as it provides students with insights into their performance and understanding of the material. When feedback helps students identify their strengths and areas needing improvement, it encourages reflection and growth. This understanding allows students to take charge of their learning by setting goals and determining strategies to enhance their skills.

Timely and specific feedback enhances learning because it guides students in making necessary adjustments before they proceed too far in their studies, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It promotes a growth mindset, where students view challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than just evaluations of their abilities. This is essential not only for academic performance but also for developing lifelong learning skills.

In contrast, providing feedback only at the end of the term would be too late for students to make any significant changes, limiting its effectiveness. Using feedback solely for grading purposes diminishes its value as a learning tool. Lastly, feedback should not be about increasing competition among peers; rather, it should be aimed at supporting each individual’s learning journey.