How can you give clear and concise feedback to students during online tutoring sessions?

1 Use the SBI model

The SBI model stands for Situation, Behavior, and Impact. It is a simple and structured way to give feedback that focuses on the facts, not the judgments. You start by describing the situation where you observed the behavior, then you state the behavior itself, and finally you explain the impact of that behavior on the learning outcome. For example, "In the last quiz, you answered all the questions correctly, but you took too long to finish. This means you need to work on your time management skills to complete the tasks within the deadline."

2 Provide positive and constructive feedback

Positive feedback is not just praise. It is feedback that recognizes the strengths, achievements, and efforts of your students. It also encourages them to keep up the good work and build on their progress. Constructive feedback is not just criticism. It is feedback that identifies the areas for improvement, suggests solutions, and offers support. It also challenges them to overcome their difficulties and achieve their goals. You should balance both types of feedback and use them appropriately. For example, "You did a great job on the presentation, you spoke clearly and confidently. However, you need to work on your slides, they were too crowded and distracting. Next time, try to use fewer words and more visuals."

3 Be respectful and empathetic

Feedback should be respectful and empathetic, not rude or harsh. You should use a polite and friendly tone, avoid negative or sarcastic language, and acknowledge the feelings and emotions of your students. You should also consider the individual needs, preferences, and personalities of your students, and tailor your feedback accordingly. For example, some students may prefer direct and honest feedback, while others may need more gentle and supportive feedback. You should also ask for their permission and feedback before giving yours, and listen to their responses and questions.

4 Make it timely and frequent

Feedback should be timely and frequent, not delayed or sporadic. You should give feedback as soon as possible after the learning activity, while the memory is fresh and the relevance is high. You should also give feedback regularly and consistently, not just at the end of the course or the session. This way, you can monitor the progress of your students, address any issues or gaps, and reinforce the learning outcomes. You should also follow up on your feedback and check if your students have implemented your suggestions or made any changes.

Giving clear and concise feedback to students during online tutoring sessions can be challenging, but also rewarding. By following these tips, you can enhance your feedback skills and help your students achieve their learning goals.