Use of effective feedback to facilitate adult learning

Effective feedback plays a critical role in helping adult learners achieve their educational goals and reach their maximum potential. It should be an integral part of every adult education program. Both formal and informal feedback should be provided by teachers, based on the underpinnings of effective feedback techniques. The feedback source, message, and recipient exert influences on the process and must be considered in this context. For maximum impact, the source of feedback must be considered credible and trustworthy by the recipient. The message should provide clear information about performance standards and the performance of the student, in order to elucidate any differences. Positive information should be shared before negative information, and the feedback should be specific, objective, consistent, and timely. The environment in which feedback is provided must be supportive, and should encourage an open dialog between the teacher and the student. Both parties should discuss various items in a spirit of collaboration, and clearly define the goals that need to be achieved. A plan for follow-up and ongoing reinforcement must be developed and implemented. In addition to oral and written feedback, other modes of providing feedback, such as computers, audiotapes, and videotapes, should be considered, and used as appropriate. Skills of faculty members in providing effective feedback may be enhanced through faculty-development programs, such as workshops and self-study modules.