Formative Feedback

Formative Feedback

Formative feedback is ongoing and helps form behavior. It may be information about a better way to perform a skill, or your coaching about how to become quicker in doing the morning patient assessment. Formative feedback helps you and the student improve performance without the threat of sanction for wrongdoing.

Try to give some type of formative feedback each time you work with the student. Feedback may be as simple as "Good job today!" or much more detailed if you are coaching the student through a new procedure. Feedback is crucial throughout the clinical practicum.

Student Reflection Assignments

Students will be asked to reflect on their experience in capstone. This assists students in their self-evaluation process. It provides the opportunity for students to think through their shift and journal about their thoughts, starting with "what went well" and "what challenges were perceived." The student will be asked to develop and prioritize goals for improvement for upcoming clinical shifts. The student’s reflections also may serve as a communication tool for each student, preceptor, and faculty to help students to find their voice.

Preceptors may ask to see a student’s reflections at any time to give the preceptor the opportunity to offer formative feedback and help the student meet personal goals. Students also will share their reflections with the clinical faculty at various points during Capstone, providing a comprehensive picture of their clinical experience. Finally, the student’s reflections are a tool for completing the Evaluation Tool.

Giving feedback is a never-ending process and forms the basis for the final grade determination.

Now that you've reviewed formative feedback, complete the "What do you think" exercise below.