What is one key aspect of effective feedback?

Effective feedback should be specific and actionable because this clarity helps students understand exactly what they did well and what needs improvement. When feedback is specific, it outlines particular aspects of the student's performance and provides concrete suggestions for how they can enhance their skills or knowledge. This direct guidance not only helps learners focus on their areas of growth but also empowers them to take actionable steps to improve in future tasks. In this way, the feedback becomes a valuable tool for personal growth rather than general commentary that may not foster development.

Providing feedback solely at the end of a unit would limit opportunities for students to act on the information before moving on to new content. Feedback that relies solely on peer reviews without instructor input can lack the necessary depth and guidance that a trained teacher can offer. Lastly, focusing on comparing students' results directly with each other may create a competitive atmosphere that doesn’t support individual learning goals or foster a collaborative environment. Instead, effective feedback should prioritize individual improvement and growth.