THE POWER OF FEEDBACK

📝 THE POWER OF FEEDBACK

The Power of Feedback is a Key to Continuous Growth in the English Classroom.

“Miss, your comment helped me understand what I was doing wrong.”
That one sentence from a student can tell you everything you need to know about the power of feedback. In the English classroom—whether you’re teaching essay writing, grammar drills, or speaking skills—feedback is more than correction. It’s a bridge between where a student is and where they can go.

💬 What is Feedback?

Feedback is information given to learners or professionals to guide improvement. In teaching, feedback can be:

• Formative: Given during learning to improve outcomes (e.g., mid-draft comments on an essay)

• Summative: Offered after an assignment is completed (e.g., final grade with remarks)

• Verbal or written

• Teacher-to-student, student-to-student, or teacher-to-teacher

Think of feedback as a compass—helping your students stay on course.

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🎯 Why Feedback Matters in the English Classroom

Teaching English isn’t just about rules—it’s about communication, creativity, and clarity. Effective feedback:

• Improves student understanding: Students see how and why they’re making progress

• Encourages self-awareness: They learn to assess their own work critically

• Deepens engagement: They feel seen, guided, and motivation

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l🔄 Feedback as a Tool for Continuous Improvement

Feedback is not a one-time event. It’s part of a cycle of growth:

1. Identify strengths and areas for improvement

2. Make adjustments

3. Try again with new awareness

4. Receive more feedback

5. Repeat

This cycle nurtures a growth mindset—the belief that ability can be developed with effort and feedback.

For teachers, feedback (from peers or students) can also highlight areas for professional growth. Reflecting on your own practices leads to better teaching, classroom management, and lesson planning.

planning.

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🛠️ Examples of Effective Feedback

Activity	Feedback Style	Sample Comment
Essay writing	Written comments	“Great argument structure, but clarify your topic sentence in paragraph 2.”
Speaking task	Verbal, in real-time	“Nice use of connectors! Try to vary your intonation.”
Teacher observation	Peer feedback	“Your questioning technique was effective, especially when you gave wait time.”

💡 Tips for Giving Effective Feedback

• ✅ Be specific: “Avoid using ‘good job’ without context.”

• ✅ Be constructive: Focus on improvement, not just mistakes.

• ✅ Be timely: Feedback is more useful when it’s immediate or shortly after the task.

• ✅ Use the ‘Feedback Sandwich’:

• Positive comment

• Area to improve

• Encouraging close

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📣 Conclusion: Make Feedback a Habit, Not a Moment

Feedback isn’t just a teaching strategy—it’s a culture. When done thoughtfully, it empowers both teachers and students to grow. It creates learners who reflect, adapt, and strive—and educators who never stop improving.

So next time you're giving feedback, ask yourself:
"Am I helping this student take their next step forward?"

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✍️ Let's Talk!

How do you use feedback in your English classroom?
Share your strategies or challenges in the comments below!

References:

• bloggerAustralian , I. (2025). Feedback . Australia: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. Retrieved from: https://www.aitsl.edu.au/teach/improve-practice/feedback