Monitoring The Importance of Feedback

The Purpose of Feedback

Feedback is an important component of improving performance. It provides valuable information to the performer about the effectiveness of their actions.
The main goal of feedback is to guide improvement by identifying where adjustments need to be made.
It acts as a mirror that reflects the performer’s ability in an objective and impartial manner.

Intrinsic Feedback: This comes from within the performer through the sensory systems. For example, feeling off balance while performing a gymnastics manoeuvre.
Extrinsic Feedback: Comes from outside the performer, such as verbal feedback from a coach, written comments from a teacher, or video analysis.
Positive Feedback: Provides information about successful performance. Encourages motivation and builds confidence.
Negative Feedback: Conveys information about errors that need to be fixed. Important for learning and refining skills but should be dealt with sensitively to avoid killing motivation.

The timing of feedback is crucial and should be provided when it can be most beneficial for the performer. This could be immediately after the performance or at a later time (delayed feedback) when they can reflect on and process it.
The source of feedback also matters. Feedback can come from a coach, teacher, peer, or the performer themselves - it should be credible and trustworthy to have an impact.
The manner in which feedback is delivered— whether it’s positive or negative— plays a crucial role in its efficacy. It should always be constructive, specific, and relevant.

Performers can use feedback to adjust their performance strategy, improve techniques, correct errors, or work on areas needing development.
It is helpful to monitor the impact of feedback on performance. Notice if there are changes in the performance after implementing the received feedback.
Actively seeking regular feedback and using it in a constructive and consistent manner can lead to substantial improvements in performance.

After receiving feedback, performers should take time to reflect on it. This self-reflection helps them to gain a deeper understanding of their performance and how to improve it.
Based on reflection and feedback, performers then need to make necessary adjustments to their performance. This could be alteration in technique, strategy or even mindset.
Being open to feedback and willing to make adjustments based on it is a key part of growth and development in any physical activity.