Several months ago, I read an article by Grant Wiggins entitled, "Feedback: How Learning Occurs." (2010). In the article, Wiggins surmised that, "Feedback is value-neutral help on worthy tasks. it describes what the learner did and did not do in relation to her goals. it is actionable information, and it empowers the student to make intelligent adjustments when she applies it to her next attempt to perform." This was an aha type moment for me in that it forced me to consider the difference between feedback and evaluation. Feedback is the foundation of process improvement, whether its in the practice or administation of learning. In essence, when institutions practice real feedback thoughout its processes, the outcome, by Wiggins definition of feedback, can only be positive. Not only for the institution, but for the practice of education as a whole. Compliance, then is the measure of how well the institution embraces and incorporates feedback into its culture. So, when Tim and Amir talk about a culture of compliance, in my view they are talking about a culture of continuous feedback. Quality.
Wiggins, G. (2010). Feedback: How Learning Occurs. Big Ideas e-journal. Retrieved on April 3, 2012, from:http://www.authenticeducation.org/ae_bigideas/article.lasso?artid=61
