Feedback – The Language of Growth

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”  – Ken Blanchard

Years of research show that feedback is one of the most powerful influences on achievement.  Daily we strive to provide quality feedback to our students, but we also must take the time to provide quality feedback to our colleagues.  Feedback is the language of growth.  It is the information about how we are doing in our efforts to reach our goals and it influences our next steps.  If “feedback is the breakfast of champions,” we should fuel up and prepare to grow and thrive.

More educators and administrators are seeing the value of peer observations and collaboration.  Taking the time to observe and provide feedback is a very valuable (and cost effective) form of professional development.  Helpful feedback is not the passing of judgement or the giving of advice.  Meaningful feedback provides information about how we are doing in our quest to meet specific goals and helps us arrive at the next steps for continued growth.

Here are a few feedback essentials:

Feedback is goal oriented.  Discuss with a colleague what goal(s) you wish to address.  Share your current knowledge and practices.  After a peer observation, discuss the wells and wishes.  What went well?  What do wish to achieve or refine?  Discuss your next steps.  How will you know when you have achieved your goal(s)?

Feedback is user-friendly.  When colleagues share helpful feedback, it is specific and addresses areas of strength and areas for growth.  Helpful feedback is balanced and specific, so that the colleague understands what areas can be developed and what existing strengths can be extended.

Feedback is transparent.  Empty compliments are not helpful for growth. (“You did such a good job!”)  Judgmental statements will quickly shut down communication.  (“You are always so …”)  Colleagues need to give clear feedback regarding the pinpointed goals.  Be concise and clear.  What actions and strategies can be developed?  Specific comments on what worked and what needs tweaking, help us grow.

Feedback is constructive.  Feedback allows us to help each other as learners.  It focuses on ways to build and improve.  Comments made should focus on the actions related to the goals and the next steps.  Stay on that track, focus on the evidence, and plan how you will assess your growth over time.

Feedback is collaborative.  Working with colleagues to provide a climate of support and collaboration leads to more honest feedback.  First discuss the goals on which you want specific feedback.  The observer shares evidence based feedback.  Together, link the feedback to the goals and standards you wish to address. Together – focus on the impact on student learning.

Feedback is timely.  Share feedback in a timely manner, so that goals and evidence observed are fresh on your minds.  Carve out a chance to collaborate and pool your resources for growth.

In our learning communities, we are surrounded by talented professionals who are focused on the common goal of helping our students grow and excel.  There is a wealth of information to be shared if we will take the time to collaborate, observe, and share quality feedback with each other.

“Feedback is a free education to excellence.  Seek it with sincerity and receive it with grace.”  – Ann Marie Houghtailing