Feedback is a powerful tool to enhance learning, performance, and collaboration in large groups. But how can you use feedback to build community, trust, and engagement among diverse and dispersed participants? In this article, you will learn some practical tips and techniques to design and deliver effective feedback mechanisms for large group facilitation.
Feedback is classified into different types and purposes depending on the source, direction, timing, and content of the information. Examples of feedback include self-feedback, when participants reflect on their own strengths, weaknesses, and goals; peer-feedback when participants exchange feedback with each other; facilitator-feedback when the facilitator provides feedback to the whole group or individuals; and external-feedback when external stakeholders provide feedback. The purpose of feedback can range from formative to summative, from diagnostic to prescriptive, from descriptive to evaluative, and from supportive to critical. Depending on the purpose, feedback can serve various functions such as clarifying expectations and objectives, recognizing achievements and progress, identifying gaps and areas for improvement, providing suggestions and recommendations, encouraging dialogue and interaction, motivating and empowering participants, building trust and rapport, as well as creating a shared vision and culture.
When using feedback to build community in large groups, it is important to consider aspects of feedback design and delivery such as relevance, frequency, balance, specificity, actionability, diversity, and the overall feedback culture. Feedback should be aligned with the learning outcomes and goals of the group and facilitator, provided regularly and timely, and include both positive and constructive elements. It should also be clear, concrete, feasible, and realistic. Moreover, it should reflect the diversity of perspectives of the participants and stakeholders while encouraging multiple sources of feedback. Ultimately, feedback should be embedded in the group norms to promote a culture of openness and trust.
When it comes to collecting and sharing feedback in large groups, there are many methods and tools available, depending on the context, purpose, and preferences of the participants and the facilitator. Surveys and questionnaires are useful for gathering quantitative and qualitative data on satisfaction, learning, and performance; polls and quizzes are effective for measuring knowledge, skills, and attitudes; feedback forms and sheets can be used to provide individual or group feedback; and feedback games and activities offer fun and engaging ways to generate dialogue. Online platforms such as Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Mentimeter can help create surveys or questionnaires; Kahoot, Socrative, or Poll Everywhere are suitable for polls or quizzes; templates like the Feedback Sandwich, the STAR model, or the Stop-Start-Continue framework can structure feedback processes; while games like the Feedback Ball, the Appreciative Inquiry, or the Rose-Thorn-Bud technique can create a positive atmosphere to elicit feedback.
Giving and receiving feedback, especially in large groups with diverse opinions, expectations, and preferences, can be difficult. To ensure that feedback is effective, there are several challenges to consider. Resistance can be overcome by creating a safe and supportive environment where feedback is voluntary, confidential, and respectful. Noise can be avoided by ensuring that feedback is relevant, valid, and reliable. Overload can be prevented by prioritizing and simplifying feedback, providing it in manageable chunks with adequate time for reflection and action. Feedback is an invaluable resource to enhance learning, performance, and collaboration in large groups. It can also foster a sense of belonging, engagement, and empowerment among diverse participants to create a positive group dynamic.
Yes feedback is a very powerful too in order to avoid noises and distractions Feedback is a very important too that needs to be present in an organization settings For instance after a project work done, you can also gather feedback after the celebration of wins, gathering feedback through googledocs, and etc. Feedback can create a positive atmosphere and make the work life balance conducive. Feedback can also make the staffs of the organizations work better and produce more quantitative, objectives and successful keyresults. Feedback to customers can also helps the organization know how to create an interpersonal relationship with the customer in order to satisfy their needs fully. An autogenerated text message can be sent as a means.
Feedback in large groups can foster community by actively involving members. Regular surveys, open forums, and suggestion boxes provide platforms for engagement. Acknowledging and implementing valuable feedback can empower participants, boost their sense of belonging, and promote a collaborative and inclusive community.