What aspect of feedback is most valuable for student improvement?

Specific and actionable feedback is essential for student improvement because it provides clear guidance on what a student has done well and where they can enhance their skills. This type of feedback goes beyond general comments or praise; it pinpoints specific areas for growth, allowing students to understand precisely what changes they need to make and how to implement them in their work.

When feedback is specific, it gives students a clear roadmap for improvement, which can lead to higher motivation and greater success in their learning process. Actionable feedback means that students can apply what they learn directly to their practice, enabling them to see tangible results.

In contrast, general feedback lacks the detail necessary for students to understand their strengths and areas that require development. Feedback focused solely on outcomes does not promote a growth mindset, as it does not address the process or the strategies a student might need to employ for better future results. Feedback that avoids addressing weaknesses does not support student growth effectively, as it misses the opportunity to bring awareness to areas that necessitate improvement, leading to stagnant learning. Thus, specific and actionable feedback stands out as the most valuable for guiding students toward continuous improvement in their educational journey.