8 Tips for Delivering Trauma-Informed Feedback

Students who have experienced trauma often react to both positive and negative feedback a bit differently than other students. Keep these tips in mind when delivering trauma-informed feedback in your classroom.

For Positive Feedback, Make It:

• Low-key and private. Use nonverbal signals like giving a thumbs-up, jotting a few words on a sticky note, or tapping the edge of the desk as a secret signal that students are doing well. As trust grows, feedback can become more specific and public.
• Highly genuine and positive. Students with trauma are highly sensitized to anything that feels disingenuous. Find something in a student's set of behaviors that you can authentically notice.

For Corrective Feedback:

• Do a quick redirect when students misbehave in small ways.
• Separate the behavior from the person—"I heard about the fight. I have seen what efforts you have been making, and I know you are better than this. We will get beyond this; I will be here for you."