What is a key characteristic of effective feedback?

Effective feedback is characterized by being specific, timely, and focused on improvement because it provides learners with clear and actionable information that enhances their understanding and skills. Specific feedback highlights exactly what a student did well or where they need improvement, avoiding ambiguity that can lead to confusion. Timely feedback ensures that the information is relevant and can be acted upon while the learning experience is still fresh in the student’s mind. This, in turn, fosters an environment that encourages growth and development. By concentrating on improvement, feedback becomes a constructive tool that guides learners in identifying next steps, rather than simply evaluating their current performance. This characteristic is vital for promoting a growth mindset and supporting student learning effectively.