What is elaborated feedback?

Elaborated feedback is characterized by engaging in a dialogue with students about their strengths as well as areas for improvement. This approach allows educators to provide specific, constructive information that students can use to enhance their learning and performance. By focusing on both what students are doing well and where they can grow, elaborated feedback encourages a growth mindset, fosters self-reflection, and helps students understand their learning processes.

This type of feedback is interactive, promoting discussion and inquiry, which is beneficial in special education settings where tailored support is crucial for student development. It contrasts sharply with methods that focus solely on identifying errors, provide information in a one-sided manner, or offer feedback only at the conclusion of a task, as these approaches may not effectively support student learning or engagement.