Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) TExES Practice Exam

What is an optimal way to provide feedback to students after an assessment?

1. Providing grades without comments

2. Offering detailed comments on strengths and weaknesses

3. Only providing feedback to higher-achieving students

4. Giving feedback only if students ask for it

The correct answer is: Offering detailed comments on strengths and weaknesses

Offering detailed comments on strengths and weaknesses after an assessment is an optimal way to provide feedback to students. This approach goes beyond simply assigning a grade, as it engages students in understanding their performance. By highlighting specific strengths, students can recognize what they did well, which reinforces their confidence and motivation. Addressing weaknesses offers guidance on areas that need improvement and helps students set goals for future learning. It contributes to a growth mindset, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for development rather than insurmountable obstacles. In contrast, simply providing grades without comments might leave students uncertain about how to improve, since they lack context or direction. Limiting feedback to only higher-achieving students excludes those who may benefit from constructive criticism and support, creating an inequitable learning environment. Additionally, giving feedback only upon request may hinder timely improvement, as many students might not know what they need to ask. Making feedback a standard part of the assessment process fosters an environment of continuous learning and development for all students.