Online Tutoring Online Tutoring Progress Monitoring and Feedback 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which characteristic makes feedback most effective in an online tutoring context?
- It is lengthy and covers every possible mistake the student made
- It is specific, timely, and actionable so the student knows exactly what to improve (Correct answer)
- It focuses primarily on cataloging what the student did wrong
- It is delivered only at the end of the entire tutoring contract
Correct answer: It is specific, timely, and actionable so the student knows exactly what to improve
Effective feedback is specific about what needs improvement, timely so it is still relevant, and actionable so the student can immediately apply it.
Question 2: What is the 'feedback sandwich' technique used by online tutors?
- Delivering all negative feedback first and then ending with a single positive comment
- Starting with a positive observation, addressing an area for improvement, and ending with encouragement (Correct answer)
- Giving feedback only through written messages and never verbally during a session
- Sandwiching all feedback between two separate assessment tasks
Correct answer: Starting with a positive observation, addressing an area for improvement, and ending with encouragement
The feedback sandwich balances constructive criticism between positive observations, making it easier for students to receive and act on difficult feedback.
Question 3: When should an online tutor ideally provide corrective feedback during a session?
- Only at the very end of the session to avoid disrupting the flow
- As soon as possible after an error so the student can correct their understanding quickly (Correct answer)
- Only when the student specifically and explicitly asks for feedback
- After the parent formally requests a feedback report from the tutor
Correct answer: As soon as possible after an error so the student can correct their understanding quickly
Timely corrective feedback prevents misconceptions from becoming ingrained and allows the student to practice the correct approach immediately.
Question 4: How can an online tutor encourage a student to self-assess their own work effectively?
- Grade the student's work without sharing the rubric used
- Provide a clear rubric or checklist and ask the student to evaluate their own work before receiving tutor feedback (Correct answer)
- Ask the student how they generally 'feel' about the work without any structure
- Have the student compare their work directly to a classmate's assignment
Correct answer: Provide a clear rubric or checklist and ask the student to evaluate their own work before receiving tutor feedback
Structured self-assessment using rubrics builds metacognitive skills and helps students become more independent and reflective learners.
Question 5: A tutor notices a student becomes anxious when given feedback on their mistakes. What is the best approach?
- Avoid giving any corrective feedback to protect the student from anxiety
- Frame mistakes as natural learning opportunities using growth mindset language (Correct answer)
- Provide only positive feedback regardless of the actual performance quality
- Reduce session frequency to lower academic pressure on the student
Correct answer: Frame mistakes as natural learning opportunities using growth mindset language
Framing errors as normal parts of the learning process through growth mindset language reduces anxiety and encourages resilience.
Question 6: What is 'peer feedback' in the context of online tutoring, and when is it most appropriate?
- Feedback from the tutoring service supervisor about the tutor's overall performance
- Students reviewing each other's work in group tutoring settings to build critical thinking skills (Correct answer)
- The tutor comparing a student's work to a peer without the student's knowledge
- Parent feedback about how the student studies and behaves at home
Correct answer: Students reviewing each other's work in group tutoring settings to build critical thinking skills
Peer feedback in group tutoring settings develops critical thinking as students learn to evaluate and articulate constructive observations about each other's work.
Online Tutoring Online Tutoring Progress Monitoring and Feedback 2
Which characteristic makes feedback most effective in an online tutoring context?