Item 7: I use feedback to encourage effort.

In my teaching practice, I prioritize providing specific and timely feedback to my students that is non-evaluative. To achieve this, I utilize three methods that I have found to be particularly effective.

The first method I use is to focus my feedback on the process rather than the outcome. Rather than simply evaluating the final art piece, I provide feedback on the specific techniques that the student used, their creativity, effort, and problem-solving skills throughout the process of creating their work. Importantly, this feedback is always constructive and aimed at helping students grow and improve.

The second method I use is to provide feedback in a variety of formats, including written, verbal, and peer feedback. I find that verbal feedback allows for a more casual and honest dialogue between teacher and student, while written feedback on rubrics enables students to revisit the feedback and make targeted corrections. Additionally, peer feedback tends to be less intimidating and allows students to freely and honestly discuss constructive criticism to improve their art-making.

The third method I use involves encouraging self-reflection and self-assessment. By providing students with opportunities to reflect on their own progress and assess their own work, they are able to take ownership of their learning and make improvements independently. For example, I have students journaling a few prompted questions that enable them to give themselves feedback and reflect on their thinking. This method is informal but has proven to be successful in fostering self-reflection and growth.

To reinforce the importance of constructive feedback and promote a positive learning environment, I also provide my students with sentence stems that reinforce the idea that feedback from peers is constructive and targeted. As outlined in “The 12 Touchstones of Good Teaching,” providing students with clear and positive language can help to promote a sense of validation and support, which in turn can help to foster greater engagement and motivation in the classroom (Goodwin, B).

By employing these methods, I aim to create a learning environment that is focused on growth and development, rather than solely on grades or outcomes. I believe that providing specific and timely feedback in a variety of formats, while encouraging self-reflection and promoting positive language, can help to foster a sense of ownership and motivation among my students, while also helping them to develop their skills as artists and critical thinkers.

Reference

Goodwin, B, and Elizabeth Ross Hubbell. The 12 Touchstones of Good Teaching. ASCD, 2013

Thorne, K. (2003). Blended Learning : How to Integrate Online & Traditional Learning. Kogan Page.