Feedback and remediation: Reinforcing strengths and improving weaknesses

Abstract

Remediation imparts information that can change the trajectory of a learner's academic progress. Feedback is both the valuable information and the complex process that can help trainees and practicing professionals improve their performance. Effective feedback is nonjudgmental and requires skill development in many different domains, including characterizing the learner's problem, overcoming resistance, and coaching for success. The authors draw on current literature about feedback to construct a model designed to help mentors bridge gaps in their knowledge base and build confidence in giving feedback to learners who fail to meet educational standards. This chapter provides a four-phase primer with step-by-step guidance for mentors who are remediators.