Why Feedback Does Not Work in Higher Education: Student Perspectives

• In Event: 77.051 - Student (and Robot?) Perceptions and Uses of Assessment

Abstract

Assessment feedback is one of the most important components of the learning process; however, students often report that it is not useful or effective. This study explores feedback challenges identified by 3904 students from two Australian universities. Utilising an inductively derived coding framework to analyse open-response survey data, this paper presents a discussion of three student concerns that either contradict current thinking, or highlight issues that are under-represented in the literature: the value of positive feedback comments, a desire for richer feedback through digital recordings, and the need for assessors to understand students. This study adds to the feedback literature by seeking insights from student reflections on problems with feedback, through the lens of what can be improved.

Authors

• Michael Henderson, Monash University

• Tracii Ryan, Monash University

• Michael Phillips, Monash University