Good teachers know that effective feedback is an essential tool for empowering a student to perform better. When you include growth mindset components to that feedback, it could transform your student’s goals, aspirations and efforts for the better
An effective feedback consists of 5 components. In this article I will outline the TIPSETM model – a feedback model which I developed based on growth mindset.
Giving effective feedback to students is a skill. You can make use of the TIPSE components below to give effective feedback and coach your students to perform to their real potential.
1. Affirm your TRUST in your student’s ability to grow
In order for your student to be ready to listen to you and take your feedback seriously, they need to believe that you genuinely trust in their ability to grow and excel.
- Remind your student of their brain’s amazing ability to rewire and grow their talents and intelligence. Take example of some of the areas they grew to stress your point.
- Never tell them that their results are due to their natural ability or what they achieved is the best they can.
- Remind them that preparation and ability are not the same. So, irrespective of where they are they will be able to set goals and work towards it.
2. Focus on the PROCESS
Everybody is working towards obtaining results. However, results are the outcomes of following certain processes. A good feedback will recognize the process that the student undertook. Irrespective of whether the result was positive or not, acknowledging the process will help your student look at various aspects of their .
- Acknowledge your student’s hard work
- Acknowledge the strategies and plans they adopted in achieving their results
- Acknowledge the difficulties faced and the risks took on by your student
An effort may or may not have brought the desired result. But, taking that effort is a great step. This reminds me of what one teacher told me. She has a student who usually gets failing grades. After one particular test, she observed that although the score has not improved, the student had taken the time to attempt all questions. She told him how proud she was to see his commitment to attempt all questions.
3. Point out areas for IMPROVEMENT
A feedback is incomplete without highlighting areas to improve.
- Even with a great result, there is still scope for improvement. Your students are naturally resourceful and have the ability to improve better than their current best.
- Tell them that some goals might seem unattainable. But, with proper planning and strategy, they will be able to reach there steadily and gradually. Do not lower the standard on what they can achieve.
- Are there any skills, habits and topics they need to pick up? Discuss it with your student.
4. Guide them with actionable STEPS to move forward
- Provide specific steps to your student to improve from where they are and move towards their goals. A generic goal such as “do better in the next test” does not provide an actionable task to the student. Tell them what they can do to get better. Some of the action oriented phrases you could use are, “Having a study/revision plan will help you to stay focused and score better next time,” “Do you need my help in brushing up some of the basics so that you can better understand the topic,” “Do you think you can keep your mobile phone and tablet away during your study time? That will help you to study better.”
- Help them devise a strategy to move forward. Show them how they can break their goal into smaller tasks. Give them measurable and achievable sub-goals to encourage a habit of taking action. This will help your student to find a sense of purpose.
- Highlight the importance of time management and its effect on reducing their stress.
5. Provide an ENVIRONMENT where your students feel encouraged to discuss their progress with you from time to time.
If you want your student to listen to you, they should feel comfortable to have an open discussion with you from time to time.
- Do not judge your students by their academic results. They might be better in other areas, talk about those areas to understand what drives them to perform better in those areas.
- Your communication skills play an important role in deciding how your feedback will influence and persuade your child. Have a patient ear, pause before you respond and make an effort to know more about your student.
- Find time to have one-on-conversation with your students. Two minutes is enough for a meaningful conversation. Over time, it paves way for forming a good relationship.
Don’t forget to read these articles too on growth mindset
The secret ingredient that makes our children future-ready
14 things a teacher with a growth mindset doesn’t do
Shooting in the self created darkness: A growth mindset story
How To Boost Academics By Growing Growth Mindset
Have you read my latest book Infinite Possibilities: Unlock your real potential with the secret recipes from superachievers? It comes with 10 case studies, 11 manifestos and 55 steps to unleash your own real potential by boosting your growth mindset. Furthermore, it will show you how you can apply Infinite Possibilities in your personal, professional and academic lives. You can get a copy of it here or at Amazon for yourself, your team, your student or child.
After reading this article, could you please do the three simple steps below?
- Share this article with your friends and colleagues, so that they too are aware of this amidst their busy schedules.
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- Do you have any insights or tips that you use? Would you like to share that? Please use the comments section below and let me know!
You can find another version of this article here.
Have you read Sindu Sreebhavan’s latest book Infinite Possibilities? You can find it here.
Share this article with your friends and colleagues, so that they too are aware of this amidst their busy schedules.
Do you have any insights or tips that you use? Would you like to share that? Please use the comments section below and let us know!
© 2019, Sindu Sreebhavan. All rights reserved.
About Sindu Sreebhavan
Sindu Sreebhavan is the founder of As Many Minds Minds Pte Ltd and the founding Chief Editor of The Kidz Parade Edutainment magazine, Asia's premium publication for cultivating creativity and creative writing in children. Sindu is also the founder and the Chairperson of International Youth Leadership and Innovation Forum (IYLIF). Sindu is the author of 'Infinite Possibilities' and the lead co-author of Amazon bestseller 'Breakthrough'. With a passion to infuse innovation in education and inject growth mindset and innovative mindset in people and organisations, Sindu writes, speaks and consults on innovation and creativity in business and education. She says innovation does not start with invention, it starts with a mindset. “The best gift you can give a child is the power of Confidence, Creativity and Communication” is her tagline. She is passionate about educating educators, parents and children about youth development, youth leadership, education innovation and 21st century education. She supports children, parents, schools and several organisations in these areas.
