Pendleton’s Rules: A Mini Review of a Feedback Method

Abstract

In a healthy feedback culture, both feedback providers (FBPs) and feedback recipients (FBRs) are comfortable with feedback. Providing feedback is seen as an opportunity to make others better, receiving feedback is seen as a learning opportunity, and seeking feedback is seen as a strength. Feedback training can help faculty, staff and learners to become more comfortable around feedback. In this mini review we will focus on Pendleton's Rules as a feedback method. This method is widely applicable in both teaching and working environments, in many different situations (one-on-one vs. group) for a diverse audience (learners and faculty, employees) and on a variety of content (cognitive, affective and meta-cognitive). Using this method helps to create a feedback dialogue consisting of balanced feedback in which self-assessment and observation are important components. In this mini review we (1) explain Pendleton's Rules, (2) cover strengths and weaknesses and (3) discuss how this method can improve the feedback culture.