negative feedback
What are some ways/methods used to give constructive negative feedback?
Jeff ,
Great example with your statement of "the longest distance between anything is a short cut"!!
Shelly Crider
Some of the best methods of teaching a student the benefit of a negative feedback is by explaining the consequesnces of what the overall outcome would be. I always try and explain the statement of "the longest distance between antything is a short cut".
Gerry,
I like your analogy! We have all been in that swamp before!!!
Shelly Crider
Jill,
I love your positive attitude and I bet it is contagious with your students.
Shelly Crider
I've found that reminding the student what the orginal objective of the assignment was before pointing out errors helps. It's the old "When you're up to your eyebrows in alligators it's hard to remember that your initial objective was to drain the swamp" approach. Sometimes students give what, to them are correct answers because they don't really understand what the question is asking. I might point out that their answer is valid, but not as the answer to the question asked here.
I've found it very helpful to state the desired behavior/work for the students and not focus on the undesired behavior/work at all. It basically is positive reinforcement used instead of constructive criticism. Recent studies have found that this method is far more effective especially with the Gen Y'ers and Millenials. It basically is running off the premise that if you ask someone to NOT focus on the end of their nose, what are they going to look at and be focused on? Their nose! If, however, you ask someone to notice their posture and focus on maintaining good Body Mechanics, they will indeed do just that!
You can always restate a constructive criticism as a positive reinforcement if you just take a minute and think about it. I had a student this last term who seemed to have a bit of a disconnect in doing one of his assignments. Instead of criticizing him for not completing the assignment as I had asked, I pulled him aside and praised him for the work he did do and pointed out that I just needed some more specific information from him if he wanted full credit for the assignment. Once he understood exactly what information was required to complete the assignment correctly, he did just that! And, his test scores improved each time as well! It's so simple, and yet so surprising. Set your students up for success by encouraging them in every way you can. Works Every time.
Ronald,
I like how you state to carefully what is wrong....students do not want to get a paper back with errors marked and not know what to do to fix it.
Shelly Crider
Always make it very clear what the objective is. Show examples of successful past projects from students. Always explain carefully why something is wrong or needs improvement.
Patricia,
Yes and this will help students be able to give constructive criticism as well.
Shelly Crider
sheryl,
I like that. Nobody really likes to be pointed out to what their shortcomings are....even though they may know them already. Starting off with being positive is a nice step for everyone.
Shelly Crider
I agree with this 100%, i believe that as an instructor approaching students in a positive manner first before giving constructive criticism is essential. That way students do not feel attacked and get to understand that there is always improvement and growth to be made.
i have found that beginning my critique with compliments about the successful aspects of the assignment, lessens the insecurity and creates a more receptive student. I can then critique the less successful aspects and receive enthusiasm and honesty to make corrections.
Carla,
I like ....why.....this makes students and instructors as well ponder the whole situation!
Shelly Crider
While I don't know the specific issue you have in mind relating to this question, I find that by discussing the "why" behind the negative feedback and then relating it back to real life situations that students might experience after graduation allows them to better see and understand the big picture. When they understand the "why" then they are less likely to get defensive over the comment and to implement it into their behavior.
Marsha,
It is vital to show postive thoughts/points along with negative. The negative gives students tips to work on and positive gives the push to move forward.
Shelly Crider
I use the sandwich technique. Positve, negative, positve thoughts/points. I also use a rubrics and start my students with a 100.
Carmina,
It is nice to be able to show the student what you want. So if you point out what is wrong (the format of your APA style is not quite right), and then follow up with a document to show how it is done correctly....really helps.
Shelly Crider
