Organising a Feedback Panel With Former Contestants

Feedback panels offer a valuable opportunity to gather insights, promote continuous improvement, and strengthen community engagement within the context of competitive events. When these panels include former contestants, they can provide relatable perspectives and constructive feedback based on first-hand experience. This article explores the process of organising such a panel with a focus on educational competitions—such as Quran recitation contests—and outlines best practices for creating an effective and respectful feedback environment.

Why Invite Former Contestants to a Feedback Panel?

Former contestants hold a unique position in the ecosystem of structured competitions. Having undergone the full experience, they are equipped to share practical reflections that current organisers, participants, and even judges may find insightful.

• Authentic perspectives: Former contestants can articulate how various elements of the competition—rules, judging criteria, and event logistics—impacted them personally.
• Peer relevance: Their viewpoints may resonate more closely with current or aspiring participants than feedback from administrators or adjudicators alone.
• Continuous improvement: Panels help organisers identify areas that may be overlooked internally but matter greatly to those affected by the competition’s structure.
• Mentorship potential: Sharing challenges and strategies may inspire newer contestants and demystify the competitive process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Organising a Feedback Panel

Effective feedback panels depend on thoughtful planning, clear objectives, and respectful facilitation. The following steps provide a structured approach to organising a successful session involving former contestants.

1. Define the Objectives of the Panel

Before inviting participants or scheduling an event, it is essential to clarify what the panel is intended to achieve. Possible objectives include:

• Evaluating the clarity, fairness, and consistency of judging methods
• Assessing the registration and preparation support provided to contestants
• Gathering insight into how the competition experience affects motivation and learning
• Encouraging peer learning through storytelling and advice

By identifying objectives early, organisers can frame the conversation appropriately and guide panellists toward relevant topics.

2. Select Suitable Panellists

Careful selection of panellists ensures that the session remains focused, balanced, and informative. When identifying former contestants for the panel, consider the following:

• Diversity of experience: Include individuals from different competition years, categories (e.g., children, youth, adult), and performance levels to reflect a broad range of perspectives.
• Communication skills: Look for contestants who are articulate and comfortable expressing ideas publicly. Some may already have experience with interviews or workshops.
• Constructive mindset: Prioritise former contestants who can provide critique respectfully and focus on solutions rather than grievances.
• Availability and willingness: Ensure that panellists understand the purpose of the session and commit to participating fully.

3. Structure the Panel Format

The structure of the session affects its flow and engagement. Panels can be conducted in various formats, depending on the context:

• Live in-person panel: Suitable for local events and community settings; allows for dynamic interaction and audience questions.
• Online webinar or panel discussion: Ideal for remote participation, especially when panellists are located in different regions.
• Pre-recorded interviews: Recorded testimonies or discussions may be edited for clarity and integrated into future training or orientation materials.

Regardless of method, assign a competent moderator who will guide the discussion, manage transitions, and ensure that panellists address the agreed topics within the allocated time.

4. Prepare the Discussion Topics

To maximise impact and avoid unproductive dialogue, it is helpful to prepare a list of discussion prompts in advance. Sharing these questions with panellists ahead of time ensures that they come ready with thoughtful responses. Common topics might include:

• What elements of the competition supported your preparation and performance?
• Where did you encounter confusion or unexpected challenges?
• Did you feel the judging criteria were clear and applied consistently?
• How did you manage nerves and maintain focus during your round?
• What recommendations do you have for future contestants?

Depending on the time available, panellists could also be asked to respond to audience-submitted questions during the latter half of the session.

5. Set Ground Rules and Expectations

To maintain a respectful and productive atmosphere, establish clear guidelines for panellists and attendees. This helps avoid negative or inflammatory comments and ensures the session remains focused on its constructive aims.

• Respect confidentiality: Encourage panellists to reflect on their own experience without naming or criticising others.
• Focus on improvement: Frame feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than dwelling on past grievances.
• Honour time limits: Allocate fair speaking time to all panellists and ensure the session stays within its scheduled duration.

6. Promote the Event to the Right Audience

Maximise the benefit of the feedback panel by reaching the right attendees. Depending on the panel’s focus, this might include:

• New contestants preparing for upcoming events
• Judges and mentors seeking to understand participant experiences
• Community members or parents interested in competition development
• Organising committees looking for quality assurance insights

Promotion can be achieved via email newsletters, social media, registration platforms, or printed notices—tailored to the most appropriate channels for the intended audience.

7. Facilitate the Session Effectively

The moderator should guide the conversation professionally and attentively. Key tasks may include:

• Briefly introducing the panel objectives and speakers
• Asking agreed-upon questions and prompting clarification where needed
• Fielding audience questions in a respectful manner
• Closing the session with a summary of key messages

A post-panel survey or feedback form may be circulated to obtain participant impressions and suggestions for future improvements.

Examples of Panel Use and Outcomes

Several competitions and academic events have successfully integrated former contestant feedback panels into their review or orientation processes. For example:

• Regional Quran Competitions: In regions such as the UK and Australia, feedback panels have been used as part of post-event reviews where former participants shared how changes in marking criteria affected preparation.
• Youth Debating Competitions: Panels featuring past debaters have offered specific training advice and guided Q&A sessions for new competitors.
• STEM Olympiads: Former medalists offered tips on time management, mental preparation, and shared reflections on what helped them succeed or recover from disappointments.

In all cases, the common outcomes include improved event design, stronger participant support, and enhanced transparency in evaluation systems.

Ethical Considerations and Inclusivity

Feedback panels should be designed to promote inclusiveness and safeguard the dignity of all involved. Organisers should:

• Ensure fair gender representation among panellists
• Accommodate varying experience levels without judgement
• Provide accessibility options for participants with visual, auditory, or mobility needs
• Seek consent for recordings or published materials

Creating positive, inclusive spaces encourages honest feedback while demonstrating professionalism and respect for diversity.

Conclusion

Feedback panels that include former contestants can serve as powerful tools for reflection, learning, and growth within competition-based settings. When properly organised, such sessions foster crucial dialogue between past and future participants, support continual improvement of event quality, and contribute to more equitable and transparent evaluation processes. For organisers and facilitators, the key lies in clear objectives, inclusive selection, thorough preparation, and ethical facilitation.

If you need help with your Quran competition platform or marking tools, email info@qurancompetitions.tech.