I definitely agree with, and practice, this method of providing constructive criticism. It's always easier to hear "bad" news when it is accompanied by "good" news. Also, it will certainly be more motivational for the student. I've never heard it referred to as the "sandwich method" but I think I'll have to borrow that terminology. Thanks! In addition to positive feedback as a motivational tool, which is often the first thing that comes to mind, reminding students of why they enrolled in their course of study in the first place, and of their professional aspirations and goals, is a very effective tool. As educators, we need to provide a connection between the theory, concepts, and practical training [and] the student's success in the workplace. I find these approaches to be not only motivational but, invigorating for students.
I agree totally, with many of my students being single moms, and continuing there education it helps to keep them positive and give good feedback
I agree Peggy. I do the same thing in regards to before/after class interaction. I get a lot from them during this time that otherwise gets left unsaid. This helps me to premotivate if you will anyone struggling in(or out of) the classroom. Not only are we instructors but also mentors,motivators,cheerleaders, and councilors as well.
Jason,
and I think this is especially important in those courses that are accelerated or "compressed." If it's a two-three week course, I want to know within a couple of days if I'm on the right track or not.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think that the need for positive feedback can be somewhat attributed to the complexity of how courses are taught, especially considering the use of new technology. Many times students just want to know that they are completing what is expected of them, and doing it correctly.
Kelly,
I agree with you on this method. While the constructive is for their benefit, we all like to hear the positives too.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree with your statement and have also experienced this in my teaching. One thing I try to do is something called the "sandwich method", where I try to sandwich constructive criticism between 2 positive things that the student is doing. I find that this is well received by students and can be an excellent motivator.
Peggy,
this is a great point & a reminder for all of us (me included) not to fly in right at the start of class & fly out right after it.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Peggy,
this is a great point & a reminder for all of us (me included) not to fly in right at the start of class & fly out right after it.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Irma,
you are so right. Imagine if all we ever heard was negative, we would quickly lose the desire to try.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Positive feedback is extremely important for today's learners. It is also important as an educator to remember that positive feedback can go a long way toward motivating students when it is based on student effort as well as performance.
As a Nursing Faculty I use the terms RN, nurse, nursing professional when I lecture. This allows the student to view themselves in that role, make decisions based on key data, and decide on interventions based on knowledge and experience. Students work harder when I ssy, you are the RN, what will you do. When I say, you are the student, they respond, "I will ask the nurse what to do". The terms I use empowers them to think more critically. Thanks, marie
I find that if I arrive a few minutes early, it lets me interact with students and discover how they are doing on a personal level. Once I get to know them, I can see if they are having any difficulties (either academic or personal) that I might need to address. I try to always remember that I may be the only person in their life who gives them positive feedback!
Students need positive feedback and praise to keep motivated. Many of the students need someone to listen and support them and feel valued to be motivasted.
Sherri,
yes & this is very helpful for both students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Cynthia,
yes, when we can point out what they are doing well it helps them to know what works. Too often we focus on what isn't working & that doesn't help them move forward.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I would try to let the motivated student work with/near the strugling student. Sometimes just helping a person who is strugling is very helpful in studying strategies.
I found out that the more I gave the "D" student attention because of the poor grade the progress wasnt great if any progress. Then I would give positive feedback with the good papers and grades and with this I saw much improvement. This seemed to movtivate the student to want to do better. Not to think that they alway do poorly or get failing grades so why try.
True, giving positive feedback helps alot with the students motivation. 100% agree with you in regards of positive feedbak cam make a big difference for a student.
Liz,
yes, I would say that it seems the Gen Y learners tend to "need" even more constant positive feedback than previous generations.
Dr. Ryan Meers
