How to give constructive feedback

Your feedback should be honest, clear and respectful. It should aim to help the University’s staff reflect, develop and improve.

Please use the five tips on this page, and follow the policy on dignity and mutual respect.

Be respectful

Feedback should never be derogatory or based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or other protected or personal characteristics.

Be depersonalised

Keep your feedback about learning, not about individual teachers. Avoid criticising individual staff members and making personal and emotional comments. For example:

Instead of: “I didn’t like [name]’s lectures.”

This would be more effective: “At times I found the way we moved between topics in lectures to be confusing. I would find it easier if more signposting was used.”

Be balanced

Comment on both the positives and negatives. This helps us to see what works and make necessary adjustments.

Be accurate and specific

Give evidence-led feedback, not sweeping generalisations or emotional reactions. For example:

Instead of: “We were really able to listen in class.”

This would be more effective: “The slides were shared in advance of each lecture, and this made it easier for me to follow what was being said in class.”

Be solution-focused

Feedback is most effective when it offers alternative solutions or suggestions. By helping to solve problems, you partner with staff to improve learning.