Ladder+of+Feedback


 * Ladder of Feedback* **

In this class (and in life), all writing is a process, and as such, needs useful feedback that supports the process rather than defines and terminates it. You will receive grades on your writing privately through eCampus, and a regular flow of feedback using this rubric. The grades will arise from my comments on this rubric and the grading criteria described in the syllabus, sent to you privately through eCampus.

You may also use this rubric (you can copy and paste it into a Word document) to guide your feedback to your colleagues over the course of this semester.

The “Ladder of Feedback” is an approach to assessing for understanding that establishes a culture of trust and constructive support. The Ladder of Feedback suggests following this sequence when providing feedback about writing:


 * ** Clarify **

Are there aspects of this writing that you don’t believe you have understood? || Formulate your comments here: ||
 * ** Value **

What do you see in this writing that you find to be particularly impressive, innovative, strong?


 * Valuing builds a supportive culture of understanding and will help your feedback colleague to identify strengths in their work that they might not have recognized otherwise
 * Valuing reminds your feedback colleague of the parts of his/her design that should be preserved when making improvements
 * Expressing your appreciation for learners and their ideas is fundamental to the process of constructive feedback
 * Stressing the positive points of the work and offering honest compliments sets a supportive tone || Formulate your comments here: ||
 * ** Offer Concerns **

Do you detect some potential problems or challenges within the writing? Do you disagree with some part of the design?


 * Share your concerns, not as derisive accusations or abrasive criticisms, but as honest thoughts (i.e., “Have you considered…”; “What I wonder about is…”; “Perhaps you have thought about this, but…”.) || Formulate your comments here: ||
 * ** Suggest **

Do you have suggestions on how to address the concerns you identified during the last step?


 * Help your feedback colleague make improvements by sharing your ideas on how he/she may revise the assignment (of course, there is no guarantee that your colleague will use the suggestions—suggestions are not mandates, after all!) || Formulate your comments here: ||


 * *Copyright WIDE World HGSE 2004 **