All Activities
Physical Education

Watch and Improve

Overview

Students take turns performing a skill while a partner observes and gives specific feedback.

Learning Objective
Students develop observational skills and learn to give and receive constructive feedback on technique.

Resources needed

  • Open space
  • Simple skill to assess (throw, jump, balance)
  • Optional: checklist written on paper or ground

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Choose a skill the class has been practising (e.g. standing long jump or throw).
  2. 2 Write or draw 3 key technique points in the ground: e.g. feet together, bend knees, swing arms.
  3. 3 Partner A performs while Partner B watches only.
  4. 4 Partner B gives feedback on each of the three points.
  5. 5 Partner A tries again using the feedback.
  6. 6 Partners swap roles.
  7. 7 Debrief: was the feedback useful? How did it feel to receive feedback?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Observer uses a simple rating: 1 (needs work) to 3 (excellent) for each point.
  • Video the performance on a phone if available.
  • Groups of three — two observers give separate feedback.
More information

Teach: observe, feedback, technique, improve, well done, next time try. Model giving feedback: 'I noticed... next time try...'

Reduce to one feedback point only for students who find multiple points overwhelming.

Is the feedback specific (referring to the technique points) or vague ('it was good')? Does the performer change their technique after feedback?

Write technique points in soil. No printed checklists needed. Any skill the class knows can be used.

Students give only positive feedback to avoid conflict. Teach that specific improvement feedback is the most helpful kind — it is kind, not cruel.

Peer assessment builds analytical skills and deepens understanding of technique. It is also more time-efficient than teacher-only feedback in large classes.

Activity details
Secondary Medium 25 minutes 5 minutes prep Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Assessment Feedback Technique