How conceptualising respect can inform feedback pedagogies

© 2020, © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Respect plays a crucial role in maintaining feedback interactions and sustaining student engagement with feedback. However, previous feedback literature has only mentioned respect in anecdotal accounts, and as a uni-dimensional notion. Drawing upon the philosophical distinctions among kinds of respect, this conceptual paper argues that respect is multi-faceted and constitutes an important aspect of student feedback literacy. We identify evaluative, directive and care respect as three essential kinds of respect in the co-constructive process of feedback. Institutional and obstacle respect also influence learners’ knowing, being and acting in feedback interactions. The feeling of disrespect arises when there are tensions over respect-related perceptions and practices between people with different roles. As educators, we can promote respect in feedback through facilitating dialogues in the co-constructive process, minimising cues of disrespect resulting from tensions around learners’ interpretation, expectation or embodiment of respect, and nurturing a safe space to reflect on and practice respect.