Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

7 Quick Feedback Methods You Can Use Today

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Giving effective feedback doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. In fact, the best feedback is often simple, structured, and immediate. Below are 7 methods you can start using today to foster better communication and team growth.

1. Start – Stop – Continue

This structured approach prompts reflection and action. Ask the person:

• What should I start doing?
• What should I stop doing?
• What should I continue doing?

It’s clear, quick, and applicable for individuals or teams.

2. SBI (Situation – Behavior – Impact)

This method keeps feedback objective and specific. Describe:

• Situation: When and where it happened
• Behavior: What the person did
• Impact: What effect it had

Example: “In Monday’s meeting (situation), you interrupted the client multiple times (behavior), which made us seem unprepared (impact).”

3. Emotional Check-In

Start meetings with a quick round where team members share how they feel in one word or sentence. This boosts empathy and trust within the team.

4. 4A Feedback (Ask – Appreciate – Address – Action)

• Ask: Get permission to give feedback
• Appreciate: Start with something positive
• Address: Mention the concern or improvement area
• Action: Suggest a next step

This method encourages respectful, growth-oriented dialogue.

5. Plus / Delta

A great tool for quick debriefs:

• Plus: What went well?
• Delta: What could be improved?

Perfect for retrospectives, workshops, or after presentations.

6. One-Minute Feedback

Right after a situation, provide a 60-second feedback using this formula:

“I noticed X → It had this impact Y → Maybe next time try Z.”

It’s fast, actionable, and makes feedback a habit.

7. Feedback Wall

Allow anonymous written feedback using sticky notes or digital tools like Google Forms or Trello. This method works well in team settings, especially for introverts.

Conclusion

You don’t have to use all these methods at once. Start with one or two that feel natural and build from there. Consistent feedback leads to consistent growth.