Here are 5 warning signs referring that you may not be using constructive feedback.
1. Using “You” Statements
You should think about “You” statements. Basically, they are for expressing your concern about your student’s behaviour and performance but they start off with “You”, placing blame.
“You did so & so”, “When you did so & so, I felt…”
I’m not an advocate for using these kinds of statements because they can make your students feel belittled and blamed, instead of empowering them to create more content.
So, you should focus on the content, instead (e.g. your ideas, writing, speech… etc.) eliminating negativity and blame.
2. Continually Correcting Each Mistake
How could this possibly work?!! Truly, when your students receive corrections for each mistake they do, they will feel confused if not enraged. They will be reluctant to participate in any task you ask them to do in the future fearing that you interrupt and correct them.
Instead try some constructive feedback like:
- I’m not sure I understand this example.
- Could you explain why you’ve said that to help me understand?
3. Using An Angry Tone
Next, you need to consider the tone of your feedback. Think of your feedback before giving it. How does it sound? How will your students think it sounds?
It’s also a good idea to do your best to stay calm when you are correcting students’ mistakes.
I know that when students don’t follow instructions or communication is lost, it’s frustrating but you should wait for a while to be calm and then go ahead for help (giving constructive feedback).
4. A Lack of Suggestions For Improvement
Pointing to mistakes without any suggestions for improvement or direction as to where to go next is basically useless.
Not only that, they are destructive. They make students feel belittled, unworthy, enraged, and worst of all – demotivated.
To encourage your students to do their best, you need to motivate them to reach their goals.
Without a little help and some specific suggestions on how they can improve, you’re not really doing them much good.
Pointing to mistakes is important, but giving direction and guiding your students is more important.
5. Focusing Only On Negative Things
Of course, constructive feedback is not all negative. You have to remember any positive things they did and that referring to these positive things will motivate your students to continue their work.
If all they hear is negativity, they aren’t likely to feel empowered. When all the feedback is negative, it made them feel worthless and quashed any true motivation they have to finish what they are working on.
Final Word
Try your best to get rid of these signs so as to give your students the constructive feedback that they need to improve their performance and reach their learning goals.
Thanks For Reading
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