20 Descriptive Feedback from Peers
Definition
A reaction or comment to something a student has done based on the learning outcomes specified. This feedback includes praise for something done well and suggestions for improvement when needed.
In action
Teachers can model both giving and receiving descriptive feedback that is both kind and helpful to support student collaboration and growth.
Support Strategies
- Explain the importance of peer feedback and how to provide effective, descriptive feedback in an informal but informative lesson
- Model giving and receiving helpful feedback often
- Arrange for assignments with an emphasis on peer feedback
- Provide clear guidelines for assignments and a rubric which outlines performance expectations to help guide specific feedback
- Ensure that all students, with and without exceptionalities, have an opportunity to give and receive descriptive feedback equally
Case Study
Student: Grade 6 student in English class
Content: Students are writing a persuasive essay on which animal is better: cats or dogs.
Problem: Student is struggling to figure out how to structure their ideas in written assignments.
Solution: After the first draft is completed and the teacher models giving feedback, students are put in pairs to give feedback on each other’s work using the assignment rubric. Each student works with 2 other students to get diverse feedback and opinions on what they did well and what can still be improved.
Additional Resources
- Exhaustive summary on what constitutes effective feedback videos
- and accompanying handbook from EduGains and the Ontario Ministry of Education
- Tips for teaching students to give feedback from Edutopia
- Online book on effective strategies for peer feedback from Starr Sackstein
- Video of five-phase 20 Minute Peer Feedback System
