New EEF Guide to Feedback

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) have produced a new guide to teacher feedback to support learning. A foreword by Dylan William, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment concisely identifies the essence of the report:

“Rather than thinking about feedback as an isolated event, this report makes it clear that feedback is likely to be more effective if it is approached systemically, and specifically, by adopting three fundamental principles: careful groundwork before the feedback is given, providing well-timed information that focuses on improvement, and also taking into account how learners receive and use that information.”

The report comes up with ‘the Alphabet Model’ (A to F) of what an effective feedback policy needs:

Avoid the over-specification of the wrong things. 
Be clear on your purpose. 
Costs associated with feedback practices need to be carefully considered. 
Demonstrate helpful worked examples of effective feedback practices. 
Expectation management—of pupils, parents, and teachers—matters. 
Focus on the foundations of learning. 

For all learners, including those with SEND, getting feedback right is crucial. Constructive, meaningful and motivating feedback that supports learners to take pride in their achievements and continue to aim high is essential to their educational experience. The report contains a lot of practical advice around how schools can review and evolve current practice in this area.