Workshop Content: Providing Feedback to Your Learners (Blended)-Using Feedback to Reinforce Independent Learning

Pdf Summary

The article "Using Feedback to Reinforce Independent Learning" by Pieter Walstock discusses the essential role of feedback in fostering self-regulated, independent learners in educational settings, particularly in medical education. Feedback helps bridge the gap between learners’ current performance and desired goals by providing specific, constructive information to refine strengths and address weaknesses. It is most effective when delivered continuously as part of an iterative learning process rather than as isolated comments.<br /><br />Grounded in socio-constructivist theory, effective feedback supports active knowledge construction through interaction and reflection. The article presents seven evidence-based principles for delivering feedback effectively:<br /><br />1. Feedback should be task-specific and focused on performance, not personal attributes (e.g., "In taking the patient’s history, you did X" rather than "You are poor at history taking").<br />2. Feedback should explain the what, how, and why of tasks, not just general praise or criticism.<br />3. Use concrete exemplars of good practice rather than comparisons with others.<br />4. Provide clear guidance on how learners can improve.<br />5. Engage learners in reflecting on feedback and setting personal learning goals.<br />6. Offer comparative information showing learner growth over time.<br />7. Motivate learners to build self-esteem, framing mistakes as learning opportunities.<br /><br />The article emphasizes that vague or overly positive feedback can impede development, and that effective feedback requires building strong educator-learner relationships through frequent, honest communication. The language of feedback should promote reflection, self-monitoring, and continuous improvement, thus reinforcing independent learning and professional development.

Asset Subtitle

A page discussing the means of using feedback to reinforce independent learning. The source is the University of California San Fransisco.

Keywords

feedback in education

independent learning

self-regulated learning

medical education

socio-constructivist theory

constructive feedback principles

learner reflection

performance improvement

educator-learner relationship

continuous feedback