The value of students’ feedback

University “Lucian Blaga” of Sibiu, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Department for Teacher Training, Calea Dumbrăvii Nr.34, 550324, Sibiu, România

^* Corresponding author: alina.mag@ulbsibiu.com

Abstract

Quality teaching is directly related with effective and high-quality feedback, and such arguments are well supported by the findings of recent studies. Feedback constitutes a central aspect of learning, yet has been largely neglected in research to date, particularly from the student’s point of view. This gap in practice has been picked up by the Department for Teacher Training of “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu. This paper explores students’ perception of feedback. First year students enrolled at the Primary and Preschool Pedagogy program were invited to attend focus groups and individual interviews. A questionnaire was developed from themes identified in the focus groups and was administrated to a large group of undergraduate students in the second part of the study. This paper reports on the focus groups and the themes that emerged from the data. Findings revealed that receiving late and minimal feedback during the semester was a common cause of students’ dissatisfaction. Responses were mixed to the question of whether enough feedback was being provided. They indicated they wanted a more proactive approach from the academic staff, because they recognized the value of feedback as central to improved learning.