CTS: The Ladder of Feedback | Thinking About Math

David Perkins' Ladder of Feedback is a structured protocol designed to help provide constructive, respectful, and effective feedback, especially in educational or collaborative settings. It consists of a series of steps that metaphorically represent climbing a ladder, starting from basic reactions and moving toward deeper critique. Here are the commonly used steps of the Ladder of Feedback, including the setup and framing:

Purpose: Establish a safe, respectful space for giving and receiving feedback.

Steps include
- Setting clear expectations.
- Clarifying roles (e.g., presenter vs. feedback group).
- Emphasizing the goal: to improve the work, not to judge the person.
- Agreeing on norms for respectful and thoughtful communication.

Purpose: Give context and background to the work being shared.

Steps include:
- The creator presents their work (a project, idea, draft, etc.).
- They explain their goals, challenges, and specific areas where they'd like feedback.
- No feedback is given yet—listeners focus on understanding.

Purpose: Ensure everyone understands the work before offering feedback.

Steps include:
- The feedback group asks clarifying questions (not evaluative).
- The presenter responds to help fill in gaps in understanding.
- Avoid suggestions or opinions at this point.

Purpose: Begin feedback by identifying strengths.

Steps include:
- Feedback providers share what they like, value, or admire about the work.
- This builds trust and reinforces what’s working well.

Purpose: Thoughtfully surface areas that might need attention or improvement.

Steps include:
- Offer concerns in a constructive tone.
- Focus on aspects that may be unclear, off-track, or problematic.
- Phrase feedback as observations or questions rather than judgments.

Purpose: Provide actionable ideas for improvement.

Steps include:
- Offer ideas, alternatives, or next steps.
- Keep suggestions respectful and open-ended ("You might consider...", "Have you thought about...").
- The presenter is not required to accept all suggestions.

Reflect and Respond (Optional)

Purpose: Allow the presenter to reflect and share their thoughts on the feedback.

Steps include:
- The presenter might summarize what was helpful.
- They can ask follow-up questions or clarify misunderstandings.
- Helps close the loop and empowers the presenter to take ownership of their next steps.

Perkins, D.N. (2003). King Arthur's Round Table: How Collaborative Conversations Create Smart Organizations. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

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