Feedback is a great type of communication that we receive or give. Sometimes feedback is called criticism, but this only the negative part of feedback, and limits its definition. Feedback is a way to let people know how effective they are in what they are trying to teach you. It provides a way for people to learn how they affect the people around them, and it helps us to become more effective. If we know how other people see us, we can overcome problems in how we communicate and interact with them. Of course, there are two sides to it; giving feedback, and receiving it. Being honest is a huge part of feedback, you need to be honest to deliver exactly what you think about your peers work.
When you are running activities for students it is an important skill to have to be able to take and give feedback. Eventually, you will need to teach students these skills so they can become better students as well. This information will help you to be more constructive when dealing with instructors and students. Giving or receiving feedback can be hard, but of the two, receiving feedback can be harder. Whether you get a sinking feeling in your stomach or a bit upset and angry, receiving feedback on something you have put time and effort into is never easy. Unless you know how to take it and give feedback to your peers. Here are some tips for giving and receiving feedback, allowing you to learn from it and quickly move on.
Giving Feedback
1. Say the improvements first, then focus on the good points. This way, the student will feel good because the last thing you said was something positive.
2. Be specific, don't be too general. Give them exact things they can improve on, for example; "you kept clicking your pen during the presentation, which distracted us". Instead of "you need to be more focused".
3. Focus on their behaviour, rather than the person. Please try to refer only to behaviour that can be changed. Don't make any personal digs.
4. Be descriptive rather than judging. Don't act as if you know more than who is teaching.
5. Judge their reaction. If you think they are offended, don't carry on. Instead change to things they did well.
6. Be supportive, deliver the information in a non critical, encouraging way.
Receiving Feedback
1. Make sure you don't interrupt or argue with the person who is giving you feedback. The whole point of feedback is getting someones else's opinion on your work. So arguing with them is not an option. Even if you don't agree don't argue back or be rude.
2. Be interested in constructive feedback, encourage it. You can learn things from others, and other people may pick up something you missed about yourself. If you are not open to criticism how will you ever improve? For example; "Try and give eye contact because then it feels like your talking to us directly"
3. Try not to throw all of your toys out of the cot. Ignoring, sulking or holding a grudge from the person giving you feedback is very childish. Be responsible and grown up about it.
4. Act engaged, ask questions if you need to clarify anything and actively listen to the speaker giving you feedback. Use open body language and direct eye contact.
5. Its your choice. Feedback can be a great tool, allowing you to grow and develop as an instructor. But some feedback is downright useless and best ignored. It is ultimately your choice how to act with the information and views you have been given.
Timing is also important, make sure the feedback is giving straight after the event, so everything is fresh in both of your minds.
Personal Experience
I ran a game of touch rugby last week, and I was the first to volunteer. The mistake with going first was that I didn't get the chance to learn from my friend's mistakes. For example, I didn't realize that you should ask whether anyone has any medical conditions or injuries at my safety briefing. I ran my game well and then afterwards I was asked to go away from the group I was with and think of a few things I could improve on and things I did well. Then came back to my group and they had thought of both things as well. My main criticism was my reffing ability in the game, I had a good safety briefing and explained the rules well. Next time my game will be even better because I will make the rules easier to understand and become really assertive with reffing abilities and will ask if anyone has any medical conditions or injuries. The people that went last had a really good understanding of what we had to do exactly and included everything. Its not always a good idea to go first!
