Instructional feedback
I find that it is very important in enhancing the learning experience of the class to give feedback at the end of activities where the students are demonstrating learned competencies and skills. As an instructor, it is critical to give (as well as receive) effective feedback in these instances.
I use the following format to process a learning activity:
1> I always ask how they think they did overall in terms of the assigned task.
2> Then I ask "If they had a chance to do it over, what would they do differently?". This takes the focus off of what they may have done wrong directly.
3> Lastly, to minimize learning roadblocks (defensiveness or behavioral justification) to the feedback that I give them (noting that this only takes place AFTER they are giving a chance to decompress and say their peace), I preface the process with two simple rules:
1) This is meant to be a learning experience...take from it what you will. There is no need to be defensive or take the feedback personally. This is simply what one person observed and I will always offer you suggestions for improvement.
2)In the spirit of #1, you are only able to respond with "Can you be more specific" or "Thank You".
Class participants seem to have fun with this last rule and it disarms the defensiveness and removes the barriers to learning.
Barbara,
Glad to hear of the value you received from the course content. You now have some strategies that will enable you to receive and use student feedback in a what that benefits everyone including the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It seems like you have an excellent method of giving and receiving effecting feedback most particularly that which can decrease or eliminate defensiveness. Something that I also took from the lesson (which can also ease the tension when giving feedback), is to remember to establish relationships which will allow the instructor to be somewhat critical of the student's work.
Phillip,
Good plan for how to receive and benefit from student input/feedback. This helps you to grow and expand your effectiveness as an instructor. This also helps the students to see how they are invested in the course and sets up a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
