Effective Feedback Essay Example

Effective Feedback Essay Example Effective Feedback Essay Effective Feedback Essay Effective Feedback I. Types of Feedback A. Informal B. Formal C. Direct D. Indirect E. Formative F. Summative II. Characteristics of Effective Feedback A. The feedback giver must be clear about motives B. Feedback should be given to help, not to hurt someone C. Feedback should be problem oriented, not people oriented D. Feedback should be specific rather than general E. Feedback is useful when well-timed F. Feedback should be checked with others to support its validity III. How feedback should be handled/given A. Listen to the feedback B. Try not to get defensive if it’s not good C. Practice giving and receiving feedback IV. Feedback Misconceptions A. It’s not my job to give feedback B. If you’re not asked for feedback don’t give any. C. No news (feedback) is good news. Giving Feedback. Teaching Learning @ Flinders. 16 Oct. 2007. Flinders University. 16 Oct. 2007 flinders. edu. au/teach/t4l/assess/feedback. php. Wertheim, Edward G. The Importance of Effective Communication. Edward G. Wertheim, Professor, Northeastern University. Northeastern University. 14 Oct. 2007 http://web. cba. neu. edu/~ewertheim/interper/commun. htm. Intro The primary objective of feedback is to help the speaker develop communication skills that address the needs and expectations of his or her audience. The most effective comments identify problem areas, provide clear and concise recommendations for developing the communication, and explain how those recommendations will make the speech more precise. Types of Feedback Informal worked examples (e. g. verbal feedback in class, personal consultation) Formal in writing (e. g. checklists, written commentary, generic exemplars) Direct to individual student (either in written form or in consultation) Indirect o whole class (e. g. The class did poorly on the last test. Very generic. ) Formative given during the run of the topic, enabling risk taking and adjustment prior to final submission Summative given at the end of a topic, with the purpose of letting students know what they have achieved. Characteristics of Effective Feedback There are several characteristics of positive feedback. But if I listed them all right now we would never get out of here on time. So here are some of the more prominent ones. First off the speaker must be clear about his or her motives behind the feedback in general. The goal of constructive feedback is to help the person not harm them. Feedback which has a hidden agenda such as settling a score or punishing another will not bring about a positive change in behavior. This plays into the feedback dealing with the issue at hand. Feedback is inherently designed to help the person become better in their communication skills not to attack the person verbally. Remember to always deal with the issue at hand because when feedback becomes a personal attack, you destroy your credibility. Another way to add to your credibility as a critique is to be as specific as possible when delivering feedback. Constructive criticism will often be interpreted as destructive, personal, or petty when it is non-specific. So it’s best to avoid generalizing the problem and get right down to the specific aspects of it so that the feedback will aid the person is correcting the problem rather than making them feel terrible about it. Just make sure the timing is right to share your feedback with that individual. The ideal time to provide feedback is as soon as you become aware of a problem. However, this is not always the best time. Consider what you know about the individual’s personal life. The right time to provide feedback is when the person is able to hear it, not necessarily when you are ready to provide it. So when it comes to this aspect of feedback just use your best judgment. Feedback Misconceptions Misconception 1: Its not my job to give feedback. Truth: In any setting whether it be at a company or in the classroom, if they value continuous improvement, feedback is everybodys job. If your environment isn’t feedback friendly, start a trend. First, praise. Reinforce positive actions and behaviors. Dont forget your boss: Positive feedback passed up the organization can have amazing results. Participate in suggestion programs honestly and enthusiastically. And request feedback on your own performance. Misconception 2: If youre not asked, keep your mouth shut. Truth: When you dont deliver critical feedback, you declare your indifference. Saying nothing means you dont care. But if your feedback concerns how your company works, how customers are treated, or what the company is doing right or wrong, you should speak up. Think through your message carefully, and make sure you deliver it with specific examples and suggestions. Misconception 3: No news is good news. Truth: No news is no news. Pretending that no news is good news prevents you from identifying and capitalizing on your strengths and improving your shortcomings. Giving Feedback. Teaching Learning @ Flinders. 16 Oct. 2007. Flinders University. 16 Oct. 2007 flinders. edu. au/teach/t4l/assess/feedback. php. Wertheim, Edward G. The Importance of Effective Communication. Edward G. Wertheim, Professor, Northeastern University. Northeastern University. 14 Oct. 2007 http://web. cba. neu. edu/~ewertheim/interper/commun. htm.