Constructive Feedback

After investing so much time on a project, it’s a natural desire to want others to like it without any criticism. However, it is important to note that there are differences between criticism and constructive feedback. While criticism focuses on pointing out flaws or mistakes, constructive feedback is focused on helping the recipient improve their skills or performance. In this lesson, we will learn how to give and receive constructive feedback effectively. We will explore the elements of effective feedback, including being specific, objective, and providing actionable suggestions. We will also learn how to receive feedback with an open mind, without becoming defensive or dismissive.

Constructive feedback is non-judgmental and is based on observable and measurable behaviors or outcomes. It is specific, objective, and provides actionable suggestions for improvement. Unlike criticism (negative feedback), which is focused on criticism and pointing out flaws, constructive feedback is focused on growth and improvement.

Why is constructive feedback important? Constructive feedback helps individuals develop self-awareness, improve their performance, and achieve their goals. It promotes a growth mindset, where individuals view mistakes and challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as failures.

An infographic for feedback. Image text is fully detailed on the page. — **Image Description**
Title: Feedback
Arrows go Left-Right and Up-Down
Left-Right Arrows: change needed (left); no change needed (right)
Up-Down Arrows: negative (down); constructive (up)
Four Quadrants: Upper Left (light orange): Advice; Upper Right (green): Compliment; Lower Left (red): Criticism; Bottom Right (dark orange): Remark.

How To Provide Feedback

Providing feedback AND receiving feedback are elements of communication. It is important to remember that communication is a fundamental employability skill in EVERY career. Knowing how to deliver your message can determine the level of success for you individually and when working with a team. Giving constructive feedback involves following a few key principles to ensure that the feedback is specific, objective, and actionable, and is delivered in a respectful and constructive manner.

Here are some steps you can follow when giving constructive feedback:

Start with a positive comment: Begin by expressing something positive about the person's performance, behavior or This can help set a positive tone and make the recipient more receptive to the feedback.
Be specific and objective: Be clear and specific about the behavior or performance you are addressing, and make sure your feedback is objective and based on observable and measurable actions. Avoid using vague or general statements or making judgments or assumptions about the person's character or motives.
Provide actionable suggestions: Offer specific and actionable suggestions for improvement, focusing on what the person can do differently in the future. Be clear about the expected outcome, and provide examples or resources to support your suggestions.
Use "I" statements: Use "I" statements to express your thoughts and feelings, rather than making accusations. This can help avoid a defensive or hostile reaction from the recipient.
Offer support and follow-up: Offer your support and willingness to help the person improve, and follow up with them to see how they are.

How To Receive Feedback and Take Action

Here are some steps you can follow when receiving constructive feedback:

Listen actively: It's important to actively listen to feedback and try to understand the areas where you need to improve.
Ask questions: If the feedback is not clear or if you need more information, you should ask questions to clarify any further needed information.
Take notes: You should take notes on the feedback to help you remember the specific suggestions for improvement.
Analyze the feedback: You should reflect on the feedback and analyze the areas where you need to improve. You should consider how you can use the feedback to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Develop an action plan: Based on the feedback, you should develop an action plan that outlines specific steps you can take to address the areas where you need to improve.
Seek help if needed: If the feedback is particularly challenging or if you need additional support, you should seek help from a teacher, tutor, or mentor.

Overall, when a student receives constructive feedback, they should approach it with a growth mindset, viewing it as an opportunity to improve and grow. By taking the feedback seriously and using it to develop an action plan, students can become more self-aware, improve their performance, and achieve their goals.

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