Think about a time when you received memorable feedback – positive or negative. What made it memorable? How did you respond? Did you implement the feedback? Why or why not? What were the characteristics of the feedback that caused you to respond as you did?
John Hattie, the renowned learning theorist, has concluded that feedback is the single most significant factor impacting learning. However, he notes, perhaps more than 50% of feedback given in schools is ineffective – even harmful!
If feedback is that important for learning, then it’s that much more important for us to understand what makes our feedback effective in order to maximize our support for the growth of the paraeducators entrusted to our mentorship.
Outcomes for Unit on Feedback
- consider the critical and pivotal role feedback plays in supporting the growth of paraeducators;
- examine the characteristics of effective feedback.
- explore the different effects of ego vs. task-oriented feedback; and
- discuss different types of feedback and when to use each type to maximize support for paraeducator growth.