RISE & AI
Transforming Feedback in Higher Education: RISE Model Integration with AI
The Challenge
In many college classrooms, the sheer volume of students makes it difficult for educators to provide individualized, detailed feedback. Dr. Stacey MacKinnon, Professor at University of Prince Edward Island, wanted to move beyond generic responses by creating an environment where students could develop critical feedback skills while also receiving constructive, actionable insights on their work. However, with 250+ first-year students in her class, this posed a significant challenge.
The RISE Model as a Framework for Feedback
The RISE Model—Reflect, Inquire, Suggest, and Elevate—was introduced as a structured framework to improve the quality and depth of feedback within the classroom. Dr. MacKinnon used the RISE Model with her students for years, but by embedding the model within Stemble, an AI learning platform, she was able to integrate the framework into the students' peer-review process. Prior to engaging in any critiques, students completed the “How to Be Better at Feedback” training created by RISE Model creator Emily Wray.
Throughout the semester, when students submitted a peer review as part of their coursework, Stemble was trained to assess their feedback based on the four levels of the RISE Model, providing immediate, tailored responses. This system ensured that students received consistent, high-quality feedback and reinforced their ability to give meaningful critiques. Stemble also identified areas where students could improve, offering suggestions that aligned with the RISE framework. This combination of positive reinforcement and constructive feedback allowed for continuous development throughout the term.
Scalable, Structured Feedback with Real-World Impact
The integration of the RISE Model with AI achieved what traditional methods could not: it provided detailed, personalized feedback at scale. Over the course of the semester, students engaged in multiple feedback exchanges, each time improving their skills in giving and receiving feedback. The structured approach of the RISE Model encouraged students to think critically about their work and that of their peers, moving beyond superficial responses.
Moreover, the impact extended beyond the classroom. Several students reported using the RISE Model in their workplaces to give or request feedback, demonstrating the model’s practical applicability in real-world settings. International students, in particular, found the structured framework helpful in navigating the often-challenging process of giving constructive feedback across cultural contexts.
Looking Ahead
Dr. MacKinnon’s innovative approach, combining the RISE Model with AI, represents a scalable solution for improving feedback in large educational settings. Moving forward, she plans to expand the use of RISE and AI in future courses and conduct a formal analysis of student performance to refine the peer-review process. Dr. MacKinnon also hopes to collaborate with other faculty members to bring this innovative approach to different disciplines across the university.
