Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

Group Instructional Feedback Technique (GIFT)

The Group Instructional Feedback Technique (GIFT) is a process that allows faculty to gather information regarding student learning in their classrooms.

The GIFT Process involves:

1. Faculty meeting with a Peer Consultant to determine the questions to be asked
2. Classroom visit (30-60 minutes)

During the classroom visit, the Peer Consultant explains the purpose of the visit, organizes small groups to address the questions, and gathers feedback.

Faculty then have a brief follow-up visit with the Peer Consultant to discuss classroom findings and receive a personal letter which is a reflection of student responses.

GIFTs are strictly confidential*

GIFTs are conducted by experienced colleagues for colleagues

GIFTs provide student feedback, not instructional critique

Benefits of GIFT

• Changes can be made in a course before the term is over
• Opens and strengthens communication between you and your students
• Clears up possible misconceptions about the course
• Helps explain methods and reasoning used in your course
• Builds faculty support relationships
• Gives students responsibility for outcome of course
• Tends to increase student motivation in course as students see your interest in instruction.

* GIFTs are generally confidential. An exception is made if information surfaces that reflects emotional, psychological or physical danger or the threat of danger to students or faculty.  SIUE's Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and the Peer Consultants reserve the right to breach confidence should the situation warrant it.