What type of feedback should instructors provide to struggling students?

Providing constructive feedback focused on improvement is essential for helping struggling students develop their skills and gain confidence. This type of feedback highlights specific areas where the student is having difficulty, while also offering guidance on how they can improve. It encourages a growth mindset, allowing students to see that challenges are opportunities for learning rather than indicators of failure.

Constructive feedback often includes both positive reinforcement for what the student is doing well and specific suggestions for improvement. This balanced approach not only helps students understand their current performance but also empowers them to take actionable steps toward mastering the material. As a result, students feel supported and more motivated to enhance their skills.

In contrast, general praise without specifics may leave students unsure about what they are doing well or where they need to focus their efforts. Discouraging comments can demotivate students and lead to a decline in their engagement and self-esteem. Meanwhile, only providing positive remarks without acknowledging areas in need of improvement can give students a false sense of security, hindering their progress. Therefore, constructive feedback anchored in specifics is the most effective way to foster improvement and support student development.