Quality feedback is the key to successful learning and we believe that quality feedback should be consistent so that learning remains focussed on moving forward and the learner retains ‘ownership’ of their own learning. 

Feedback should be based on what a student needs to focus on next, not what they got wrong.

Rules: 

These are the ‘rules’ for giving feedback to each other: 

• Be kind. 
  
• Be specific. 
  
• Be helpful. 
  
• The rules are the same for adults and children. 
  
• Feedback should only be given to learners who seek it. 
  
• All feedback should relate to the learning goal and learners should seek feedback by stating their goal. 
  
• Keep feedback positive and specific to the learning goal. Negative language or focusing on things other than the learning goal can ‘shut children down’ and stop them from taking risks. We want learners to take risks and to feel safe doing this. 
  
• Correcting is not helpful feedback. When we try to help by correcting, what the learner hears is, "You’re wrong. Don't try something else because you might fail again." 
  
• Avoid making judgements such as, "It is good." Instead, explain why is it good. 
  

Language to use: 

Is there another way you could …? 

I wonder if you can find out how to….? 

Could you try it again to see if you get the same (or a different) answer? 

Words and phrases to avoid: 

Wrong. 

Mistake. 

It’s good. 

It’s nice. 

I like it. 

Well done. 

Phrases to use: 

I like the way you have… because ... 

Re-think how … Is there an alternative …? 

Could you re-word this? 

How else could you try this? Is there another way? 

Can you give more information about …? 

I think it would be even better if...  because...