TABLE III
Helpful Tips on Giving Supportive Feedback
- Children respond better when eye contact is direct, sincere, loving, and encouraging.
- Children are more likely to modify behavior when comments are directed at specific
behavior, rather than general actions. For example, children are likely to feel worse when they are
told they have "misbehaved" than when they are told what specific action caused a teacher to
think they were disobedient. When possible, the child should be talked to privately.
- Children also respond better when a teacher's comments are descriptive rather than
evaluative. By describing their own reactions as opposed to the student's behavior, teachers are
more likely to be seen as supportive rather than judgemental.
- Children must feel a teacher is taking into account third needs; therefore, a teacher's
comments should reflect genuine concern.
- Comments are most effective when timed close to the behavior. Children are unlikely to
remember feedback that is given long after the action or assignment is completed.
- By checking with individual students, sometimes privately, teachers can make sure they
understand their comments and feelings.