As a language arts teacher, I have seen many students struggle with receiving feedback. It can be difficult to hear criticisms of your work, but feedback is essential to improving your skills and growing as a person. In this article, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of giving feedback, so that you can provide helpful and constructive feedback to others.
The Dos of Giving Feedback
1. Be Specific
When giving feedback, it is important to be specific about what you are commenting on. General comments like “good job” or “needs improvement” do not provide any real feedback. Instead, focus on specific aspects of the work, such as the structure, grammar, or content, and provide examples to illustrate your points.
2. Be Constructive
Constructive feedback is feedback that is intended to help the person improve. When giving feedback, focus on the positives as well as the negatives. Start with what the person did well, and then move on to areas where they can improve. Be sure to provide suggestions for improvement, and avoid simply criticizing without offering solutions.
3. Be Timely
Feedback should be given as soon as possible after the work is completed. This allows the person to make changes while the work is still fresh in their mind. Delaying feedback can make it less effective, as the person may have moved on to other projects or forgotten the details of the work.
4. Be Respectful
Feedback should be given in a respectful and professional manner. Avoid using harsh or judgmental language, and be mindful of the person’s feelings. Remember that the goal is to help the person improve, not to tear them down.
The Don’ts of Giving Feedback
1. Don’t Be Vague
Vague feedback is not helpful. Comments like “it’s not quite there” or “it needs more work” do not provide any real direction for improvement. Be specific about what needs to be improved, and provide examples to illustrate your points.
2. Don’t Be Negative
Negative feedback can be demoralizing and unproductive. Instead of focusing on what the person did wrong, focus on what they did right and how they can build on that. Provide suggestions for improvement in a positive and constructive manner.
3. Don’t Be Late
Late feedback is not helpful. If you wait too long to give feedback, the person may have already moved on to other projects or forgotten the details of the work. Feedback should be given as soon as possible after the work is completed.
4. Don’t Be Disrespectful
Disrespectful feedback is not productive. Avoid using harsh or judgmental language, and be mindful of the person’s feelings. Remember that the goal is to help the person improve, not to tear them down.
Conclusion
Giving feedback can be difficult, but it is an essential part of learning and growing. By following the dos and don’ts outlined in this article, you can provide helpful and constructive feedback that will help others improve their skills and achieve their goals. Remember to be specific, constructive, timely, and respectful when giving feedback, and avoid being vague, negative, late, or disrespectful. With these tips in mind, you can become a valuable and effective feedback giver.