Feedback Strategies: Mirror, Mirror

(Maxpixel)

I read the articles Be a Mirror and How to Give Students Specific Feedback That Actually Helps Them Learn, and I think that the approaches/considerations that the two give complement each other.

The article on mirroring makes a point to show that feedback should be based on what the individual is doing, not what they aren't doing. In practice, I think this gives the student/person a chance to refine their own natural instincts, approach, and capabilities, without attempting to change them in a way that may not be in line with how naturally think.

The mirroring article also talks about making the feedback transferable; it should be usable in a broad way, not just for that specific task. I think that's incredibly important, especially when combined with making sure that the feedback isn't too vague or general, a point made in the article about giving students helpful feedback. If the person doesn't understand what you're trying to tell them, or the point that you're trying to get across in the feedback, it won't be of much use to them.