What is a constructive way to use feedback to improve student performance?

Giving feedback as soon as possible after an action is a powerful approach to improving student performance because it helps reinforce learning and correct misunderstandings while the experience is still fresh in the student's mind. Timely feedback allows students to reflect on their actions and make immediate adjustments, facilitating a more dynamic learning process. Students are more likely to remember the context of the feedback when it is delivered in close proximity to the related performance, which can lead to quicker and more effective changes in their approach.

In contrast, providing detailed reports at the end of a term does not offer the immediate guidance necessary for real-time improvement. Similarly, critiquing only completed assignments could miss the opportunity to address issues as they arise, limiting the potential for ongoing development. Waiting until parent-teacher conferences can delay feedback for students, hindering their ability to make timely adjustments. Immediate feedback, therefore, is essential for fostering a responsive and adaptive learning environment.