Formative assessment and feedback for learning in higher education: A systematic review

Abstract

Feedback is an integral part of education and there is a substantial body of trials exploring and confirming its effect on learning. This evidence base comes mostly from studies of compulsory school age children; there is very little evidence to support effective feedback practice at higher education, beyond the frameworks and strategies advocated by those claiming expertise in the area. This systematic review aims to address this gap. We review causal evidence from trials of feedback and formative assessment in higher education. Although the evidence base is currently limited, our results suggest that low stakes-quizzing is a particularly powerful approach and that there are benefits for forms of peer and tutor feedback, although these depend on implementation factors. There was mixed evidence for praise, grading and technology-based feedback. We organise our findings into several evidence-grounded categories and discuss the next steps for the field and evidence-informed feedback practice in universities. Context and implications Rationale for this study To gain a better understanding of effective formative assessment and feedback approaches in higher education (HE). To promote a more evidence-informed approach to teaching and learning in universities. Why the new findings matter The findings highlight a small number of promising strategies for formative assessment and feedback in HE. They also draw attention to a lack of (quality) evidence in this area overall. Implications for policy-makers and practitioners Universities and their regulators/funders should be encouraging and supporting more, high-quality research in this important area. Researchers in the field also need to look to developing more ambitious, higher-quality studies which are likely to provide robust, causal conclusions about academic effectiveness (or other outcomes). Those involved in teaching and learning in university should use the findings to inform evidence-informed approaches to formative assessment and feedback and to challenge approaches which do not appear to have foundations in strong evidence. Students could be made more aware of teaching and learning approaches that are likely to support their academic progress.