Original Article

Improving Feedback to Students Online: Teaching Tips From Experienced Faculty

Wanda Bonnel, PhD, GNP-BC, ANEF; Heidi Boehm, MS, RN

  • The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
  • November 2011 - Volume 42 · Issue 11: 503-509
  • DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20110715-02
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Abstract

Background:

As nurses seek to advance their education through online courses, considering best practices in feedback is especially important. Rich and rapid feedback has long been considered a best teaching practice, but how to provide this feedback in an online course environment is not always clear. This study was conducted to identify how experienced faculty provide feedback to online students.

Methods:

This descriptive exploratory study surveyed faculty about their approach to feedback with broad exploratory questions and a validation survey. The sample included faculty in four different states who benchmark online educational best practices.

Results:

Content analysis was used to evaluate data, with 15 themes emerging. These themes were organized into three categories: using best available tools; having a system; and creating a feedback-rich environment.

Conclusion:

The findings support and extend the guidelines for best practices in online education, including a focus on multisource feedback opportunities during course design.

AUTHORS

Dr. Bonnel is Associate Professor, University of Kansas School of Nursing, Kansas City, Kansas. Ms. Boehm is Unit Educator, University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This research was supported in part by a National League for Nursing Education Research Grant.

Presented at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference, March 28–31, 2008, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Address correspondence to Wanda Bonnel, PhD, GNP-BC, ANEF, University of Kansas School of Nursing, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160. E-mail: wbonnel@kumc.edu

Received: March 15, 2011
Accepted: June 17, 2011
Posted Online: July 22, 2011

doi: 10.3928/00220124-20110715-02

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