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Abstract
The need to provide students with regular feedback on their performance is integral to the assessment process, but not all mentors feel confident to do this. This article highlights the benefits of providing constructive feedback for both the mentor and the student. Five principles associated with giving constructive feedback are discussed. The importance of preparing for feedback, ensuring it is provided in a timely manner and being specific are emphasised. Development opportunities to enhance mentors' skills in giving feedback that is beneficial to the student are also discussed.
Keywords
Constructive feedback, mentoring students, mentors, student assessment, verbal feedback, written feedback
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Aims and intended learning outcomes
The aim of this article is to enhance readers' understanding of how to provide constructive feedback to students who are being supported and assessed in practice. As a nurse or midwife, providing constructive feedback is not confined to the role of mentor, it is an integral aspect of everyday professional life. Healthcare professionals do not work in isolation and provide colleagues, whether junior or senior, relatives, carers and patients with feedback daily. Therefore the information in this article, may be useful for any professional working in the healthcare setting. After reading this article and completing the time out activities you should be able to:
* Describe what it means to provide constructive feedback.
* Summarise the benefits of giving constructive feedback for the mentor and the student.
* Describe the key principles inherent in providing constructive verbal and written feedback.
* Reflect on and enhance your constructive feedback skills.
Introduction
Walsh (2010) indicated that providing feedback is a vital aspect of supporting a student in practice. This is articulated in the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) (2008) Standards to Support Learning and Assessment in Practice, which states that: 'Mentors are responsible and accountable for... supervising students in learning situations and providing them with constructive feedback on their achievements.' It is essential that mentors have the skills and competence to 'provide constructive feedback to students and assist them in identifying...