Recursive feedback is a continuous and reflective learning process where teachers and students engage in multiple cycles of feedback, revision, and improvement. Unlike one-time assessments, recursive feedback allows learners to revisit their understanding, make corrections, and demonstrate growth over time. One effective approach that embodies this concept is Diagnostic Testing, a form of assessment designed to identify students’ prior knowledge, learning gaps, and misconceptions before instruction begins.

In the Philippine education setting, particularly with the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum, diagnostic testing plays a crucial role in providing teachers with actionable insights to tailor instruction. For instance, before teaching a mathematics unit, teachers may administer a short diagnostic test to determine which learners have mastered prerequisite skills and which need remediation. This data-driven approach ensures that instruction is equitable and inclusive, addressing individual learning needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all method.

Recursive feedback continues when teachers use the results not merely as static data but as a basis for continuous support—through follow-up quizzes, reflection activities, or peer-assisted reviews. The Department of Education (DepEd) encourages such assessment practices to promote assessment for learning, emphasizing feedback as a process for growth rather than judgment.

As an educational leader, I believe integrating recursive feedback through diagnostic testing nurtures a culture of reflection and continuous improvement among both teachers and learners. It empowers students to take ownership of their learning while guiding teachers in evidence-based instruction. In the long run, such a system supports the national goal of producing lifelong learners—critical thinkers who can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

📘 Reference:
DepEd Order No. 31, s. 2023 – “Implementing Guidelines on the MATATAG Curriculum”
(Suggested media: an infographic on the Diagnostic Feedback Cycle in the MATATAG Curriculum)