By Langton Chikaka
This paper seeks to define feedback in the context of language learning and teaching, highlight the role of feedback, its types and importance in the teaching and learning of languages.
Definition of feedback
Feedback is the process of sharing information about a learner’s performance, behaviour or achievements to help them understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to improve their future performance. Feedback takes various forms some of which are:
• Verbal or written
• Formal or informal
• Positive (praising strength) or constructive (identifying areas for improvement).
• Effective feedback is timely, specific, clear, actionable, respectful and focussed on behaviour not personality.
Feedback can be considered as a gift. It helps a person learn, grow and becomes their best selves.
The role of feedback in language learning and teaching
Research has shown that feedback has is crucial in the following ways:
Guides improvement
Feedback helps learners errors and areas for improvement it informs language development and progress.
Enhances accuracy
Feedback has a net effect on correcting linguistic errors and misconceptions. It promotes language accuracy and fluency.
Boosts confidence
Regular feedback encourages learner to take risks and try new language forms. In consequence, it develops linguistic confidence and self-assurance
Fosters reflection
Feedback, when given, encourages learners to reflect on language use and learning strategies. In one way, it develop meta-cognitive awareness and self-assessment skills
Supports teacher development
Feedback informs teaching practices and materials design. It helps teachers refine their instructional methods.
Types of feedback
It is essential for a language teacher to be conversant with different types of feedback. It should be noted that feedback is a vital tool for growth and improvement and it has various types. Feedback provides individuals with invaluable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, helping them to refine their skills and achieve their goals. There are several types of feedback, each with its own peculiar characteristics and purposes.
Positive feedback
This focuses on praising individual achievement and reinforcing good behaviour. This type of feedback boasts confidence and motivation encouraging learners to continue excelling.
Constructive feedback
This form of feedback identifies areas for improvement and provide specific suggestions for growth. Constructive feedback is important for learning and development as it helps learners address their weaknesses and develop new skills.
Formative feedback
This form of feedback is provided during the learning process, offering guidance and support to help individuals improve their performance. It has the advantage of helping learners stay on track and achieve their academic goals.
Summative feedback
This type of feedback evaluates individual performance at the end of a project or task providing a comprehensive overview of their achievements.
Peer feedback
This type of feedback comes from colleagues or peers. It promote the spirit of collaboration and team work as students learn from each other’s strength and weaknesses. This is one of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) core values.
Self-assessment feedback
This feedback involves individuals evaluating their own performance, reflecting on their strengths and weaknesses and setting personal targets to be achieved.
It should be borne in mind that feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement, and its various types cater for different needs and purposes. By understanding and utilising these types of feedback can enhance their learning, performance and personal development.
The writer is an experienced administrator since 2005. He has worked and served as a school head at Mutauto, Holy Family secondary schools. Chapwanya, Hande and Makumbe High Schools. He is the c urrent Head Zimuto RCZ High School. He is former Provincial Head in Charge responsible for English Language and Foreign Languages from 2023 -2025. He is a holder of a diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education, Master of Business Administration and many other certificates and diplomas in administration.
