Which of the following statements reflects best practice in providing student feedback?

Providing timely and specific feedback is a cornerstone of effective teaching practices. This approach allows students to understand clearly what they did well and where they need improvement, making it a powerful tool for learning. When feedback is timely, it means that students receive it while the relevant work is still fresh in their minds, enhancing their ability to apply that feedback to future tasks or assignments. Specific feedback goes beyond general comments, providing clear and actionable insights that guide students toward better performance.

For example, rather than simply saying "good job," specific feedback would detail what aspects of the work were strong, such as a well-structured argument or effective use of grammar. This kind of targeted feedback helps students know exactly what they should continue doing and what they can improve, fostering a growth mindset and encouraging ongoing development in their skills.