How should feedback be delivered to maximize student growth?

• A. Positive reinforcement only.
• B. General praise without specifics.
• C. Feedback delivered late and not referencing criteria.
• D. Specific, timely, actionable feedback referencing success criteria and suggesting next steps.

Answer: (D)

Feedback should guide growth by being specific, timely, and actionable, and by anchoring it in clear success criteria. When feedback names exactly what was done well and what needs improvement, students know what to adjust. Delivering it while the work is fresh helps them apply it right away, and pointing to the success criteria keeps the guidance aligned with what the assignment aims to demonstrate. Providing concrete next steps gives students a clear path to reach the next level. For instance, instead of only praising effort, you might say what to add or revise, how it connects to the criteria, and the precise steps to implement the change.