"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility": Improving Your Feedback and Hallmarks of Effective Feedback
21 Pages Posted: 9 Aug 2024
Date Written: April 01, 2024
Abstract
Effective feedback can change a law student’s trajectory in law school and beyond. The feedback-centric nature of experiential learning courses allows law students to both develop their skills and personal lawyering style. However, many experiential instructors are from a different generation, with different expectations and communication styles than today’s law students.
This article highlights hallmarks of effective feedback for the modern law school classroom. As the field of law continues to evolve, law schools will need to as well. This article discusses four key hallmarks: (1) provide feedback in multiple formats, (2) help each student develop their personal style, (3) explain the why, and (4) highlight both the “good” and areas of opportunity. The goal of showcasing these hallmarks is to fuel instructor introspection and further discussion. By taking the time to reflect and reformulate their feedback style and substance, instructors can ensure they are maximizing their positive impact on a law student’s development.
Keywords: feedback
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