Feedback is distinct from grading, since we are not just evaluating work, but also encouraging future learning. For that reason, feedback is directly linked to persistence. Summative feedback is meant to evaluate student competency and summarize learning. Formative feedback is less focused on the evaluation and more on helping the student improve, both by helping them to understand the content more deeply and also by understanding their own learning process and gaining confidence in their ability to succeed.
Research shows that we can improve persistence if we, as faculty, learn more about formative feedback and use that knowledge to inform our teaching practice.
