How Feedback Affects Children's Learning & Development

Feedback shapes how kids learn and grow. Here's what you need to know:

• Good feedback can boost student achievement by up to 30 percentile points
• It can improve performance by up to two grade levels
• Type, timing, and delivery matter

4 key types of feedback:

1. Positive feedback
2. Constructive criticism
3. Verbal feedback
4. Written feedback

These impact kids':

• Motivation
• Skill development
• Learning outcomes

Effective feedback answers:

1. Where am I going?
2. How am I doing?
3. What's next?

Feedback Type	Pros	Cons
Positive	Boosts confidence	Can be ineffective if overused
Constructive	Identifies areas to improve	Can discourage if poorly delivered
Verbal	Immediate and interactive	Easily forgotten
Written	Provides lasting record	Time-consuming to create

Key takeaways:

• Give feedback ASAP after a task
• Aim for 9 positive comments for every 1 correction
• Focus on effort, not just results
• Be specific about what to improve
• Use a mix of feedback types

Remember: Good feedback is like a GPS for learning. It shows kids where they are, where they're going, and how to get there.

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Positive Feedback

Positive feedback can be tricky when it comes to kids' learning and growth. It's not all sunshine and rainbows.

Sure, praise can pump up motivation and self-esteem. But it's got a dark side too. Kids can get hooked on it like a drug.

Here's the deal:

Praise is basically a quick hit of feel-good brain chemicals. The more kids get, the more they need to feel that same buzz.

So what's the fix? Process praise.

Don't just tell kids they're smart. Focus on their hustle and problem-solving skills instead.

Why? Process praise:

• Makes kids stick with it
• Boosts their inner drive
• Helps them bounce back when things go south

Check this out:

Kids who get process praise from teachers:

• Push harder when the going gets tough
• Chase challenges
• Aim higher
• See failures as stepping stones

But here's the kicker:

"Praise for intelligence ups fixed-mindset thinking. Praise for effort and strategies cuts it down." - Carol Dweck, Stanford Research Psychologist

Want to nail positive feedback? Try these:

1. Get specific: Ditch "Good job" for details on what they nailed.

2. Spotlight the process: Talk up their hustle and tactics, not just the end game.

3. Balance it out: Aim for five pats on the back for every nudge in the right direction.

4. Keep it on the down-low: Save the tough love for one-on-one chats.

5. Make 'em think: Get kids to mull over their moves and how to level up.

The endgame isn't to drown kids in praise. It's about building their backbone and bounce-back ability.

As Rebecca Louick, an Elementary School Counselor, puts it:

"With a growth mindset, kids see challenges as brain food, and mess-ups as part of the learning recipe."

2. Constructive Criticism

Kids need to learn how to take feedback. It's a life skill. But it's not easy, even for adults.

Here's the trick: Use a 9:1 ratio. That's nine positive comments for every bit of criticism. Why? Kids who hear more good than bad are more open to improvement tips.

But don't just praise results. Praise effort. As researcher Ayelet Fishbach puts it:

"When we succeed in behaving in a way that moves us toward our goal, we should commend ourselves for our commitment to our goal, but not on our progress toward our goal."

When it's time for tough love:

1. Be specific
2. Focus on actions, not character
3. Remind them of past wins

For example: "I'm worried about you lying tonight. Remember when you told us about your friend stealing? That was brave. Let's apply that honesty now."

Got a sensitive kid? Use the "feedback sandwich":

1. Compliment
2. Criticism
3. Compliment

The payoff? Kids who handle criticism well become more confident and better problem-solvers.

Bottom line: Constructive criticism builds kids up, one thoughtful comment at a time.

3. Verbal Feedback

Verbal feedback is your secret weapon for shaping kids' learning. It's the quick, in-the-moment guidance you give during or right after an activity.

Why does it matter? Simple:

• It's instant. Kids can use it right away.
• It clears things up. You can explain if they're confused.
• It's personal. Your tone and body language add extra meaning.

So, how do you nail verbal feedback? Let's break it down:

1. Timing is key

Give feedback ASAP. But here's the kicker: just saying "right" or "wrong" can actually hurt learning. Instead, explain what's good and what needs work right after the task.

2. Be specific and actionable

Don't just say "good job." That's useless. Point out exactly what was done well and how to improve. Like this:

"I like your descriptive words. Next time, try adding some dialogue to make it pop."

3. Balance praise and criticism

Use the 9:1 rule: nine positive comments for every criticism. This keeps kids open to feedback without feeling like they're being attacked.

4. Make it a two-way street

Ask questions. Get the kid thinking. "What would you do differently next time?" This helps them problem-solve on their own.

5. Just state what you see

Instead of judging, describe. "You have stickers on your face" is better than "Why did you put stickers on your face?" It opens up dialogue without criticism.

Do	Don't
Use names	Give fake praise
Talk often	Seem bored
Ask open questions	Judge
Give specific praise	Be vague

The goal? Create a positive verbal environment. As Dr. Amber Tankersley, an Early Childhood Education Expert, puts it:

"We want children to feel good about themselves, not just that their shoes look cute."

Remember: your words shape their world. Use them wisely.

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4. Written Feedback

Written feedback is a game-changer for kids' learning. It's the comments teachers scribble on assignments. Unlike spoken words, it sticks around.

Why it's a big deal:

• Kids can read it over and over
• Parents get to see it
• It tracks progress

But not all written feedback hits the mark. Let's break it down:

Keep it short and sweet

Long comments? Kids tune out. Stick to brief, clear notes. Try a code system for common issues:

Code	Meaning
SP	Spelling error
P	Punctuation needed
?	Unclear meaning

This saves time and makes feedback crystal clear.

Zero in on what matters

Don't mark everything. Pick 1-2 key areas to improve. David Didau, an educator and author, nails it:

"Written feedback should result in more work for students than it does for teachers."

Make 'em think

Don't hand out answers. Ask questions instead:

"How can you beef up this paragraph?"

This gets kids solving problems on their own.

Timing is everything

Speed matters. A UK university study found students like written feedback because they can digest it at their own pace. But if it's late, it's useless.

Hold the grade (sometimes)

Grades can overshadow feedback. Try this: Give detailed comments first, grade later. It helps kids focus on getting better, not just their score.

Get kids in on the action

Make feedback a two-way street:

1. Have kids highlight where they want feedback most

2. Ask them to rewrite your comments in their own words

3. Give class time to respond to feedback

This gets kids engaged and using the feedback.

Bottom line: The goal is growth, not just red marks. Use written feedback to guide, not just grade.

Good and Bad Points of Each Feedback Type

Let's break down different feedback types for kids' learning:

Feedback Type	Pros	Cons
Positive	Boosts confidence, encourages good behavior	Can be ineffective if overused
Constructive	Identifies areas to improve, teaches problem-solving	Can be discouraging if not delivered well
Verbal	Immediate and interactive	Can be forgotten easily
Written	Provides a lasting record	Can be time-consuming to create

Positive Feedback: More Than Just Praise

Positive feedback isn't just saying "good job." It's about catching kids being good. As Bob Doman says:

"The children who receive the least positive feedback are the ones who need it the most."

But watch out: too much praise can backfire. Aim for a 4:1 ratio of positive to constructive comments.

Constructive Criticism: Handle with Care

Constructive criticism can be powerful, but it's tricky. A study found preschool teachers used more negative than positive feedback, especially in low-income areas. This can hurt kids' motivation.

The fix? Be specific. Instead of "Hey!", try "Are we supposed to play with our food?"

Verbal vs. Written: Each Has Its Place

Verbal feedback is great for quick fixes. Written feedback is perfect for tracking progress. The smart move? Use both.

The Bottom Line

No single type of feedback is perfect. Mix it up. Tailor your approach to the kid, the situation, and the goal. It's not just about correcting mistakes—it's about helping kids grow.

Wrap-up

Good feedback can supercharge a kid's learning. Here's the scoop:

Feedback done right can boost a student's performance by up to 30 percentile points. That's like jumping two whole grade levels!

Timing is Everything Give feedback ASAP after a task. Be specific. Point out exactly what to improve.

The Magic Ratio Aim for 9 positive comments for every 1 correction. Kids learn better when they're not on the defensive.

Ask First Before diving in, check if they're ready for feedback. It's a small step that makes a big difference.

Three Key Questions Great feedback answers:

1. What's the goal?
2. How am I doing?
3. What's next?

Quality Beats Quantity It's not about how much you say. It's about saying the right things. Keep it clear and tailored to the child.

Remember: Good feedback is like a GPS for learning. It shows kids where they are, where they're going, and how to get there.

FAQs

Why is feedback important for child development?

Feedback shapes how kids grow and learn. Here's the deal:

• Good feedback? Kids get motivated and feel good about themselves.
• Bad feedback? It can mess with their attitude and self-image.

Bob Doman, a child development expert, nails it:

"Our children cannot become all they can be if we parents aren't all we can be."

What is positive and negative feedback in teaching?

In the classroom, feedback can make or break learning:

• Positive feedback boosts behavior, engagement, and self-perception.
• Negative feedback? It can kill motivation and self-esteem.

How does feedback affect children?

Feedback hits kids hard:

• Positive feedback creates happy, motivated kids with good self-image.
• Negative feedback? Unhappy kids with poor attitudes.

Here's a real story:

Tim, 10, was a handful. Adults always reacted negatively to him. But when he got positive feedback instead? BAM! In days, he turned into a happy, cooperative kid.

This shows how the right feedback can flip a kid's behavior and outlook FAST.