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Formative Feedback Partners (FFP)

Formative Feedback Partners are graduate students and postdocs trained in leading Small Group Analyses, conducting Teaching Observations and Midquarter Feedback Surveys, and facilitating End-of-Term Focus Groups to provide evidence-based, formative feedback on teaching. Throughout the academic year, Formative Feedback Partners participate in a learning community in which they engage in discussions and activities to deepen their skills in providing written and verbal formative feedback.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Location
Locations vary.

Size & Format
In-person: <10 participants

Dates & Times
Formative Feedback Partners meet quarterly and conduct Small Group Analyses, Midquarter Feedback Surveys, Teaching Observations, and End-of-Term Focus Groups throughout the academic year.

Audience
Faculty, Graduate Students, Postdoctorial Scholars, Staff

Overview

Formative Feedback Partners provide feedback on teaching in any context through four methods:

  • Small Group Analysis (SGA): Early- to mid-quarter qualitative and quantitative feedback from students for instructors at all levels, conducted in person during a class meeting time. SGAs can occur between weeks 4 and 7 of each quarter to provide midcourse feedback.
  • Midquarter Feedback Surveys: Early- to mid-quarter qualitative and quantitative feedback from students for instructors at all levels, occurring asynchronously via an online survey. Midquarter Feedback Surveys can be distributed between weeks 4 and 7 of each quarter to provide midcourse feedback
  • Teaching Observation: Personalized feedback on teaching techniques for graduate students and postdocs. Teaching Observations can occur at any point during the quarter.
  • End-of-Term Focus Group: Evaluations for courses (taught by any level of instructor) with fewer than five students. End-of-Term Focus Groups are conducted at the end of the quarter, with instructor consultations taking place after grades have been submitted.

Eligibility

Graduate students, postdocs, and faculty are welcome to join Formative Feedback Partners.

We encourage graduate students & postdocs to complete one or more of the following programs prior to joining FFP:

  • Reflective & Effective Teaching
  • Reflective Teaching Guides
  • Graduate Teaching Fellows

Interested faculty should have a demonstrated knowledge of current evidence-based practices in learning and teaching, as evidenced by a teaching statement or other documentation.

Application

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort of Formative Feedback Partners will open in March 2025. 

Objectives

By participating, Formative Feedback Partners will be able to:

  • Develop written and verbal formative feedback skills.
  • Connect feedback to evidence-based practices in learning & teaching.

Time Commitment and/or Schedule

Formative Feedback Partners is a flexible program, allowing participants to conduct formative feedback services as their schedules allow.

  • Participants are required to complete a 2-hour training in fall quarter before conducting formative feedback services.
  • Each formative feedback service process typically takes around 2 hours.
  • Participants are required to attend a 90-minute-long program cohort meeting in winter and spring quarters. 

Contact Us

Kate Flom Derrick, Assistant Director of Reflective Pedagogy
kate.flomderrick@northwestern.edu