Facilitating student learning in distance education: a case study on the development and implementation of a multifaceted feedback system

This paper reports on a case study conducted in an American university investigating the role of feedback within a distance education environment. Based on data gathered from online and hybrid undergraduate students in a teacher education program and supported by existing research, we describe how we support online learners by implementing a feedback system that incorporates multi-draft formative assessments and various feedback strategies. We describe these strategies (i.e. explicit feedback directions and feedback surveys) as well as data from formative assessments to demonstrate the impact of clear expectations and feedback on student performance in distance education. We present recommendations for online feedback and propose a feedback model for further study.     

基于移动微课平台的"弹性翻转课堂"教学模式探讨

为了顺应网络碎片化学习的要求,文章利用微信平台搭建智能移动学习环境,并在其基础上设计"弹性翻转课堂"教学模式.不同于传统的翻转课堂,该教学模式在每个教学环节中引入有效的反馈机制,让教师及时调整当前课程以及下次课程的授课内容、教学方法以及教学进度.对计算机专业的学生进行教学实验,结果表明该教学模式可以提高学生在课前环节的参与度,调动学习积极性,并取得了较好的学习效果.     

Keystroke-level analysis to estimate time to process pages in online learning environments

It is challenging for students to plan their work sessions in online environments, as it is very difficult to make estimates on how much material there is to cover. In order to simplify this estimation, we have extended the Keystroke-level analysis model with individual reading speed of text, figures, and questions. This was used to estimate how long students might take to work through pages in an online learning environment. The estimates from the model were compared to data collected from 902 volunteer students. Despite the huge differences in reported reading speeds between students, the presented model performs reasonably well and could be used to give learners feedback on how long it takes to work through pages in online learning environments. This feedback could be used to support students’ motivation and effort regulation as they work through online course components. Although the model performs reasonably well, we propose giving feedback in the form of intervals to indicate the uncertainty of the estimates.     

A model of factors affecting independent learners’ engagement with feedback on language learning tasks

In independent learning contexts, the effectiveness of the feedback dialogue between student and tutor or, in the absence of a tutor, the quality of the learning materials, is essential to successful learning. Using the voices of participants as the prime source of data through a combination of data-driven and concept-driven approaches, this investigation attempts to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of the learning process as students express emotional reactions to the learning environment and in particular the written feedback from their tutors and the learning materials. To account for the different ways in which adult learners studying independently engage both cognitively and emotionally with external feedback, we propose a model based on four key drivers: goal relevance, knowledge, self-confidence, and roles. We conclude that only when these key drivers are aligned with each other can learners in independent settings engage with external feedback and learn from it.     

Comparing student learning experiences of in-text commentary and rubric-articulated feedback: strategies for formative assessment

This study compares students’ experiences of two types of criteria-based assessment: in-text commentary and rubric-articulated feedback, in an assessment design combining the two feedback channels. The main aim is to use students’ responses to shed light on how feedback strategies for formative assessment can be optimised. Following action research methodology, the study discusses key categories of student responses from three sources: reflective texts, a questionnaire, and interviews. Results show that different functions were attributed to the two feedback channels: in-text commentary to lower-order concerns related to language proficiency, and rubric-articulated feedback to higher-order concerns related to an overview of writing achievement. We argue that the different functions have the potential of creating a sufficiently balanced assessment design with the possibility of serving both short-term and continuous learning goals. On the other hand, some students found it difficult to navigate between the two feedback channels. The article therefore ends with a ‘lessons learned’ section where we list possible ways in which the current assessment design can be improved for optimal use of the synergy effects emanating from a combination of in-text commentary and rubric-articulated feedback for formative purposes.     

Closing the feedback loop? Iterative feedback between tutor and student in coursework assessments

We evaluate the case for using feedback iteratively, to improve student engagement and learning. In this model, students were invited to respond to tutor feedback with students’ own responses. Among the three courses/modules (three tutors) studied, differences in feedback styles were evident from: (a) thematic analysis of tutor comments and, for one course, and (b) comments in a student focus group. Students were inconsistent in their evaluation of tutor feedback but, in a more detailed study of one of the courses, there was clear evidence for the benefits of iterative feedback. Lessons from the main study were then applied to a course that had not previously incorporated iterative feedback. Using this experience, we provide suggestions for applying iterative feedback in assessments.     

Exploring cultures of feedback practice: the adoption of learning-focused feedback practices in the UK and Australia

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there have been calls in the literature for the dominant model of feedback to shift away from the transmission of comments from marker to student, towards a more dialogic focus on student engagement and the impact of feedback on student learning. In the present study, we sought to gain insight into the extent to which such a shift is evident in practice, and how practice is shaped by national and disciplinary cultures. A total of 688 higher education staff from the UK and Australia completed a survey, in which we collected data pertaining to key influences on the design of feedback, and the extent to which emphasis is placed on student action following feedback. Our respondents reported that formal learning and development opportunities have less influence on feedback practice than informal learning and development, and prior experience. Australian respondents placed greater emphasis on student action following feedback than their counterparts in the UK, and were also more likely than UK respondents to judge the effectiveness of feedback by seeking evidence of its impact on student learning. We contextualise these findings within the context of disciplinary and career stage differences in our data. By demonstrating international differences in the adoption of learning-focused feedback practices, the findings indicate directions for the advancement of feedback research and practice in contemporary higher education.     

以系统的角度构建高校毕业生售后服务体系

高校毕业生“售后服务”体系,是指高等院校为自己的产品——已毕业的学生提供的各种继续教育服务和工作支援的总和。构建高校毕业生售后服务体系既是提高高等教育质量的关键,也是强化高等院校市场竞争力的关键。毕业生售后服务体系是一个系统,它包括：基础支撑体系、沟通和连接体系、灵活的运作体系、精准的系统反馈和诊断体系等。构建高校毕业生售后服务体系需要统一认识、建立统筹机构、灵活解决经费问题等。     

Are we serious about enhancing courses? Using the principles of assessment for learning to enhance course evaluation

A series of workshops with educators at Birmingham City University about enhancing student involvement in course evaluation prompted us to consider the principles of assessment for learning as an approach to enhancing the quality and value of this evaluative activity. We focus on student enhanced learning through effective feedback which is a model designed to support the integration of ‘feedback’ and ‘feed-forward’ as a social practice in higher education. In the same way that dialogue between student and educator is now viewed as an essential part of student development we suggest that this approach should apply equally to the development of courses. In this paper we outline the principles of the model – reflection, transparency and developmental dialogue, and set out the case for using the approach to facilitate greater collaboration between students and educators to create a framework to facilitate shared ownership of course enhancement.     

一类具有反馈控制和反应扩散的Logistic种群模型的全局稳定性

研究一类具有反馈控制和反应扩散的Logistic种群模型,通过构造适当的Lyapunov函数,得到了该生态种群系统的正平衡点是全局渐近稳定的,所得结论表明扩散对该生态种群系统正平衡点的稳定性没有影响。     

电路中的互联二端口网络与反馈

以二端口网络分析方法为基础,推导二端口网络互联的数学模型,并将其与反馈电路的数学模型比较,阐明二端口网络的并联、串联、串并联及并串联与反馈电路四种基本组态在结构、功能、数学描述以及信号传递方面的完全一致性。运用二端口网络的概念和方法,对晶体管反馈放大电路的分析结果证实：文章提出的观点、证明的过程和得出的结论是正确的。     

金融发展阶段：一个包含金融部门的内生增长模型

金融部门实现“干中学”效应从而促进经济增长的前提条件是金融部门的规模必须达到临界值。以金融部门规模是否达到临界值为标准可以将金融发展划分为两个阶段，不同阶段需要实施不同的金融发展政策。在金融部门达到临界规模之前需要政府干预和扶植金融发展，而之后就可以实施自由化改革。     

Investigating Feedback on Practice Among Teachers: Coherence of Observed and Perceived Feedback

Despite that benefits of feedback in student learning are reported in much research, little has been reported regarding the use of feedback from teachers to other teachers—a key tool in professional development. In this study, we triangulated data from videotaped peer coaching sessions, questionnaires, and interviews regarding 12 primary school teachers in four peer groups in the Netherlands. We focused our research on two issues: the interplay of observed feedback dimensions and elements and perceptions of that feedback. Feedback dimensions were generally effective and the influence of the elements on the dimensions mostly aligned with the expectations. Teachers generally perceived feedback as effective. Moreover, effective observed feedback was perceived as effective. Findings indicate that peer coaches should stimulate coached teachers to become goal directed, specific, detailed, and neutral (neither positive nor negative) by using feedback elements so as to optimize feedback processes.     

The power of anticipated feedback: Effects on students' achievement goals and achievement emotions

In an experimental study (N = 153 high school students), we tested a theoretical model positing that anticipated achievement feedback influences achievement goals and achievement emotions, and that achievement goals mediate the link between anticipated feedback and emotions. Participants were informed that they would receive self-referential feedback, normative feedback, or no feedback for their performance on a test. Subsequently, achievement goals and discrete achievement emotions regarding the test were assessed. Self-referential feedback had a positive influence on mastery goal adoption, whereas normative feedback had a positive influence on performance-approach and performance-avoidance goal adoption. Furthermore, feedback condition and achievement goals predicted test-related emotions (i.e., enjoyment, hope, pride, relief, anger, anxiety, hopelessness, and shame). Achievement goals were documented as significant mediators of the influence of feedback instruction on emotions, and mediation was observed for seven of the eight focal emotions. Implications for educational research and practice are discussed.     

The conundrum of low achievement and feedback for learning

Abstract

The literature on improving student engagement with assessment and feedback has a tendency to treat all students as if they are the same. Students with lower levels of attainment are generally under-represented within empirical studies and their feedback behaviours are less well understood. The recent drive to improve student assessment and feedback literacy and the move from ‘feedback’ being information about a task to being a process of understanding and using performance information is a larger conceptual leap for some students than others. In this paper, we consider issues surrounding the transition to new modes of feedback, focussing on what is needed for those who find study difficult and persistently are disappointed by their levels of attainment, to benefit from and take advantage of our feedback pedagogies. We examine literature advocating strategies such as increasing agency, using praise, developing feedback literacy and cultivating a growth mind-set. We argue that students who underachieve may benefit from strong relationships with educators and peers, exposure to feedback rich, low stakes environments, which permit repeated integrations of practice and feedback, and building feedback literacy through peer assessment activities.     

“演讲与口才五W教学模式”构建与实践思考

“演讲与口才五W教学模式”的构建是基于演讲与口才传播本质的思考,和对拉斯韦尔5W传播模式的借鉴：通过教学实践证明,“5W教学模式”,针对性强,便于实践操作,大大简化了教学过程,是一种比较科学的模式;但这种模式的不足是静态线性分析,忽视了受众的反馈,因此,需要在教学中要树立辩证动态的大社会观．加强对受众反馈的研究与思考。     

Student peer review: enhancing formative feedback with a rebuttal

This study examines the use of peer review in an undergraduate ecology programme, in which students write a research proposal as a grant application, prior to carrying out the research project. Using a theoretical feedback model, we compared teacher and student peer reviews in a double blind exercise, and show how students responded to feedback given by each group. In addition, students wrote a rebuttal for every feedback point before re-drafting and submission. Despite students claiming they could tell if the reviewer was a teacher or student, this was not always the case, and both student and teacher feedback was accepted on merit. Analysis of feedback types and rebuttal actions showed similar patterns between students and teachers. Where teachers differed slightly was in the use of questions and giving direction. Interviews with students showed the rebuttal was a novel experience, because it required a consideration of each comment and justification as to why it was accepted, partially accepted or rejected. Being a reviewer helped students to learn about their own work, and it changed the way they understood the scientific literature. In addition, some students transferred their new peer review skills to help others outside of the ecology programme.     

Understanding learners’ self-assessment and self-feedback on their foreign language speaking performance

This study examines university learners’ self-assessment and self-feedback on performance as captured in audio files from a foreign language speaking test. The learners’ were guided to listen, transcribe and analyse their own speaking samples, as well as propose future actions for improvement. Content of learners’ self-feedback was scrutinised against a feedback model, with data coded into various feedback categories as stipulated in the model for analysis. Results indicated that learners’ self-feedback was far reaching and multifaceted. Through self-feedback, learners’ identified discrepancies, answered feed up, feedback and feed forward questions, and inspected performance at task, process, self-regulation and self levels. Much of the feedback involved reflections on past learning history, other areas of learning, deviation of performance from preparation and learner personality traits. The self-feedback went largely beyond most teachers’ feedback capacity and bore great potential for learning and instruction. In particular, contrary to theoretical presumptions, self-level feedback seemed quite enlightening. Whether the observed quality self-feedback could actually help learners improve their performance, however, was not clear. It was suggested that some teachers’ time and effort be directed to the endeavour of facilitating learners’ self-assessment and self-feedback. Learners’ self-feedback capability should also be explored further in the development of relevant pedagogies and theories.     

An Expanded Control Model for the Use of Instructional Feedback

The strengths of the now classic Kulhavy/Stock model of instructional feedback are summarized and various researchers′ suggestions for improvement are incorporated into an expanded model. Data from two computer drill experiments demonstrate that the use of feedback varies systematically between subjects: the highest achieving subjects use feedback as the Kulhavy/Stock model predicts, the intermediate achievers use of feedback is less predictable, and the lowest achievers use feedback in a nearly random manner. These response patterns can be addressed in a feedback processing model which adds higher level goals related to certitude and correct responding. The expanded model has the following characteristics: feedback processing is not automatic, but varies in mindfulness; learner′s individual goals are incorporated; analysis and modeling are conducted on a subject by subject basis; and instructional feedback is understood more in terms of each learner′s control systems and less in terms of a stimulus-response orientation.