In our research, we observed that successful feedback practices were influenced by the feedback design, people, institution and culture involved. To engender effective feedback one needs to consider more than simply the feedback strategy or content. Accordingly, we have identified a number of what we term “conditions for success”, which are thematically organised into three categories: capacity, designs, and culture.

This is not to suggest that these are the only conditions, nor that they all need to be simultaneously present to ensure success. Nevertheless, in the seven rich case studies, one or more of these conditions were observed as being a significant factor in the feedback success.

Consequently, we propose that the success of assessment feedback may be facilitated by considering the following twelve conditions. For more information, including some suggested strategies to enact each condition, please visit our pages on capacity, designs, or culture. You can also click on the relevant section in the large text below.

Feedback is successful when…