Definition
In the context of effective assessment, a quality of feedback in which the instructor identifies exactly which actions, behaviors, or performance elements were correct or incorrect, rather than offering general or vague comments. Specific feedback ties the assessment to observable, measurable details of the student's performance.
Plain English
Pointing out exactly what the student did, not just whether it was good or bad. Instead of saying 'your landing was rough,' a specific comment says 'you flared too high and reduced power too early.'
Context Anchor
Used when an instructor assesses a learner’s performance during a lesson, oral review, written critique, or postflight debrief.
Derivation
From Latin specificus, meaning 'of a particular kind.' In assessment, it points to particular, identifiable details rather than general impressions.
Why Pilots Care
Specific feedback lets students know exactly which actions to repeat or correct, speeding up learning and preventing repeated mistakes.
Intuition Check
Specific does not just mean “detailed” or “important” here. It means the assessment points to a particular observable thing, so the learner knows exactly what the instructor is talking about.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor's assessment was specific, noting that the student rolled out 10 degrees past the assigned heading on the second turn.
Example Sentence 2
Instead of a general comment, the CFI gave specific guidance about maintaining altitude during the steep turn entry.