The Feedback Pendulum: A Manifesto for Enhancing Feedback in Education - by Michael Chiles (Paperback)

About the Book

The art of giving feedback is widely recognised as one of the most powerful tools in education. In The Feedback Pendulum, Michael aims to explore how the use of feedback has evolved over time, drawing on a combination of research and sharing experiences.

Book Synopsis

In the words of Bill Gates, 'We all need people who give us feedback. That's how we improve.' The art of giving feedback is widely recognised as one of the most powerful tools in education and equally one of the most variable aspects in the way it is applied. In The Feedback Pendulum, Michael aims to explore how the use of feedback has evolved over time, drawing on a combination of research and sharing experiences, and examples of best practices across the different phases of education to establish a culture of efficient and effective feedback that supports the teaching and learning cycle. This book will unpick the research, the experience of expert practitioners, and practical strategies in the different phases of education, including: the evolution of feedback over time; pre-school feedback; primary and secondary school feedback; specialist education feedback; parental feedback; and CPD feedback Through the use of spotlights from teachers and an education psychologist's perspective interweaved throughout, Michael provides a manifesto for enhancing feedback in education.

Review Quotes

Feedback is an essential topic for every teacher and school leader. It can impact positively, or negatively, on pupils' learning and on teachers' workload. Too often though, schools are prone to damaging feedback fads. Perhaps the truth of these fads is that school teachers and leaders are uncertain about what feedback really means. Chiles' book is a helpful, pragmatic antidote to those all-too-common feedback fads. It synthesises a range of interesting evidence, voices from leaders and teachers, alongside practical approaches, to build a rich picture of what makes for effective feedback. As such, it provides vital food for thought for teachers and leaders of all stripes.--Alex Quigley

In 'The Feedback Pendulum' Michael Chiles provides insights and examples for tackling the fact that feedback, as we all know, does not always have the desired impact. This thought provoking, practical book helps us get there. It is time, colleagues, to tackle head on, the ghastliness and laziness of generic feedback. It is time to get shot of quality assurance that relies on book scrutiny and the amount of marking in pupils' books. It is time to have proper conversations about the power of feedback to improve the work of pupils and professionals: 'The Feedback Pendulum' is a great starting point.--Mary Myatt "Educational consultant and author"

About the Author

Michael's career began as a geography teacher in a secondary school in the West Midlands where he became head of department and then a senior leader with responsibility for teaching and learning. He then relocated to the north west, taking a short period of time out of the classroom to develop and deliver teacher training both nationally and internationally. He is now head of department in a secondary school in the north west.
He is married to Sarah, has two teenage children Abigail and Harry, and Daisy the Border Collie. He enjoys walks through the British countryside and playing the guitar.
His first book, The CRAFT of Assessment, was published by John Catt in 2020.