Feedback Templates
Simple ways to give meaningful feedback (personal and supportive) that encourages students and builds trust.
Why This Matters
Giving feedback online can feel distant – like you’re just correcting instead of connecting. But even a few words, written with care, can remind students that there’s a real person behind the screen who sees their effort and wants to help them grow. These templates are here to make that a little easier.
Part 1: Full Feedback Examples You Can Use or Tweak
- When a student is doing well, and you want to push them further:
“You’re doing a solid job here – I really liked how you explained ____. If you want to take it one step further, you could try adding more detail to ____ or explore ____ a bit more. You’re definitely on the right track!”
- When a student is struggling but trying:
“I can see you’ve put in a lot of effort, and I appreciate that. Even though some parts were tricky, you didn’t give up. That says a lot. Let’s work on ____ together – you’re not alone in this.”
- When a student shares something creative or unique:
“I really enjoyed your take on this. It was fresh and different, especially the way you ____. Keep leaning into that original thinking – it makes your work stand out.”
- When a student seems discouraged or quiet:
“It’s okay if this didn’t go exactly how you hoped. What matters is that you tried, and I noticed that. You’re capable – don’t forget that. Let’s focus on one thing at a time and build from there.”
- When you see real improvement:
“This is such a great step forward! I noticed how you improved ____ compared to last time. It’s exciting to see your progress – keep it going!”
Part 2: Build-Your-Own Feedback Starters
Sometimes you just need a way to start. These sentence openers can help you write feedback that’s personal, kind, and clear.
To name something they did well:
- “You handled ____ really well.”
- “One thing that stood out to me was…”
- “You’ve clearly thought through…”
To gently suggest improvements:
- “Have you thought about adding more to…”
- “This could be even stronger if you…”
- “You’re close – maybe try revisiting…”
To encourage or boost confidence:
- “I can tell you worked hard on this.”
- “Don’t underestimate how far you’ve come.”
- “Even if it’s not perfect, this is a strong start.”
To invite them to reflect:
- “What part of this are you most proud of?”
- “If you had more time, what would you change?”
- “Think about how your thinking has changed – it shows here.”
Match Feedback to What Your Student Needs
| If the student needs to feel… | Try saying… |
| Confident | “You’ve done this kind of work before —you’ve got this.” “I believe in your ability to figure this out.” |
| Noticed | “I saw the way you approached this — thoughtful and steady.” “Thanks for putting so much of yourself into this work.” |
| Encouraged | “You’re closer than you think — don’t stop now.” “This is already good — and it can get even better with a bit more time.” |
Final Thought
Whether you use these word-for-word or just for inspiration, the goal is simple: to help students feel supported, understood, and ready to grow. A little encouragement can go a long way – especially in online learning, where your words carry all the weight.
eduengagehub.com 