formativeFeedbackmechanismen

Formative feedback is information provided during the learning process intended to help students improve their understanding and performance. It is typically specific, timely, and tied to clearly defined learning goals. The aim is diagnostic rather than evaluative, guiding both instruction and practice rather than merely recording achievement. In contrast to summative feedback, which assesses learning after instruction, formative feedback emphasizes criterion-based progress and actionable next steps.

Formative feedback can be delivered through various channels, including teacher comments on drafts, rubrics, verbal prompts, peer feedback, self-assessment, and quick checks such as exit tickets or one-minute reflections. Effective feedback is specific about what was done well and what could be improved, explains why, and suggests concrete actions or resources for improvement. It connections to explicit learning targets and provides opportunities for revision or additional practice.

Implementation benefits include improved learning outcomes, greater student motivation, and enhanced self-regulation as learners develop the ability to interpret feedback and adjust strategies. Challenges include time constraints, consistency in quality, students' readiness to use feedback, and aligning feedback with ongoing assessment. To maximize impact, practices commonly emphasize clarity of goals, actionable next steps, timely delivery, opportunities to revise work, and formative assessment that informs both teaching and learning decisions.

Research in education supports formative feedback as a key element of effective instruction when paired with clear criteria, opportunities for practice, and ongoing feedback loops between teachers and students.