Effective feedback acknowledges the learning that has occurred.

Appreciate the commitment of pupils as they aspire to the learning outcomes. Reinforce understanding of key concepts and skills by playing or singing with them as they perform, and celebrate their work in progress.

It encourages pupils to reflect upon their learning.

Build time into the lesson specifically for pupils to talk together, as this helps to reinforce their learning. Also allow them to demonstrate their understanding of musical concepts and skills through performance.

It is planned feedback that is positive and specific.

Share the successes of the lesson with the class by ‘showcasing’ pupils’ work. Allow groups or individuals to perform or share their work, discuss the qualities of their learning and suggest possible improvements.

It is focused on the learning objectives and learning outcomes.

Keep the feedback focused on the skills being developed. For example, try to avoid being drawn into simply recommending improvements to aspects of performance when the learning objectives and outcomes reflect compositional work.

Pupils are encouraged to ask questions to clarify their understanding in order to meet success criteria.

Create opportunities for pupils to feel comfortable asking pertinent questions about their progress. Also allow them to ask questions of each other as to the reasons why sounds, chords, phrasing, etc. were selected and used in the composition task.

Pupils receive support to help them identify the next steps in their learning.

Use questioning strategies that take thinking to another level in order to open up the possibilities for the next stage of learning, (e.g. by asking pupils what might be the effect of changing the metre from 4 to 3 part way through a piece of dance music).

Pupils’ targets are revised, if necessary, as they work towards meeting success criteria.

Reconsider the targets for pupils as the tracking of their progress develops, (e.g. persuading pupils to take the lead solo part in a classroom performance after observing a significant increase in their confidence and technical ability).