The Critical Role of Feedback in Formative Instructional Practices

Feedback provides a vehicle for integrating all components of formative instructional practices: clear learning targets, evidence of student learning, and student ownership in the process. Feedback is the keystone to formative instructional practices as it is one of the most powerful instructional tools available. This paper (a) describes the role feedback plays in formative instructional practices, (b) suggests some evidence-based instructional strategies practitioners can employ to increase opportunities for feedback about their instruction, and (c) recommends ways to enhance the effectiveness of the feedback students receive.