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Guide For impactful feedback

A student works at a computer

In some of your surveys throughout the academic year, you might need to provide written comments. This guide will help you write comments that are both respectful and impactful, ensuring your feedback leads to positive changes.

Student feedback guide

  • Be specific - detail situations, actions, or behaviours when providing feedback. Specific examples help clarify your perspective and address issues more effectively. Be as clear as possible, so your feedback is easy to understand and act upon.
  • Be accurate - describe events as they occurred without exaggeration. Accuracy ensures your feedback is credible and actionable.
  • Be fair - express your feelings, but acknowledge they are not universal. Fair feedback considers different viewpoints and helps us understand the broader context.
  • Be balanced - mention both positives and areas for improvement. Highlighting what works well is as important as noting what needs change. If possible, suggest improvements.
  • Be respectful - maintain a respectful tone throughout your responses. Polite communication ensures your feedback is taken seriously
  • Be constructive - focus on specific actions or behaviours instead of personal traits to ensure your feedback is constructive.
  • Give context - provide context for your feedback to offer a complete picture. This helps the recipient understand the circumstances and reasoning behind your comments.
  • Report concern - if your issue is of a serious nature, please contact your dedicated Report It team.

Tips and examples

  • Don't say: I do not like my lectures.
    Instead say: I did not enjoy my lectures because the content has not covered what I need to do for my assignment.
  • Don't say: Everything was good.
    Instead say: I enjoyed this module because I found the content and teaching methods engaging.
  • Don't say: Assignment feedback was bad.
    Instead say: The feedback I received for my assignment was unhelpful, unclear, and not constructive.
  • Don't say: I don’t like the facilities.
    Instead say: The facilities in my building are not designed for a person who is neurodivergent.

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviours and responsibilities of students at the University of Salford to create a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone.