Teacher feedback literacy, feedback regimes and iterative change: towards enhanced value in feedback processes

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses teacher capacities for implementing learning-focused feedback processes within the social contexts of feedback regimes. Data are derived from longitudinal interviews carried out with six recipients of an award for good feedback practice; supplemented by documentary analysis of feedback artefacts; and an interview with the key instigator of the feedback award. Key elements of teacher feedback literacy are highlighted: designing feedback processes for student uptake; reflecting upon students’ responses to feedback; and iterative refinement of practices over time on the basis of cumulative experience. Engaging reflectively with students’ struggles with feedback potentially encourages teachers to adjust practices in the direction of learning-focused feedback processes, indicative of reflective feedback literacy. Broader social contexts in which feedback processes are enacted, including disciplinary and workload-related factors, are influenced by the feedback regimes that hold practices in place. Feedback regimes underpin the social practice of feedback in highlighting routines and procedures facilitating or constraining learning-focused feedback processes. Change elements of salience, congruence and value cast light on prospects for structural refinements to feedback regimes. A value perspective on change envisages making feedback practices satisfying for teachers as well as useful for students.

KEYWORDS:

• Feedback
• teacher feedback literacy
• feedback regimes
• iterative change
• value

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research reported in this article was supported by a Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme Award from the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong [HKU 37000421].