"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility": Improving Your Feedback and Hallmarks of Effective Feedback

21 Pages Posted: 9 Aug 2024

See all articles by Randall Ryder

Randall Ryder

University of Minnesota Law School

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

Suggested Citation

Ryder, Randall, "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility": Improving Your Feedback and Hallmarks of Effective Feedback (April 01, 2024). Minnesota Legal Studies Research Paper No. 24-27, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4920227

Randall Ryder (Contact Author)

University of Minnesota Law School ( email )

United States
6126256486 (Phone)

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