Explain the gap to a goal and what to change, rather than offering praise alone.
Practitioner frameworkA thinking tool for design. Direct tests of its effect are limited.
Example
Editorial example: explain that matching currency units enables comparison instead of merely saying “great”.
Why it works
Hattie and Timperley organize feedback around goals, current progress and next steps, distinguishing task and process information from person-level evaluation.
On the web
Place the issue, reason and correction example together. Check independent correction on a different problem after feedback.
When it backfires
Effects depend on feedback type and prior knowledge in educational research. Lengthy advice after every action can add burden.
Sources
Synthesizes feedback research and distinguishes task, process and self-regulation levels.
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The Power of Feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77, 81–112. Open source