Feedback

How to give feedback

Comment on positives

Whenever possible, try to give some positive feedback – it makes the negative easier to bear.

Be specific and clear

For instance, “I think that the draft you’ve given me needs more thorough editing here, and here”, rather than “Your writing is really shoddy.”

Own the statement

Use ‘I’ statements rather than ‘you’ statements, e.g. “I find your description confusing” rather than “you sound confused here”.

Don’t wait

Immediate feedback is the most valuable. If this is not possible, give it as soon as you can.

Offer constructive ideas

For instance, “If you put xxxx instead of yyyy that would read better.”

Oxford UniversityLearning Institute

http://www.learning.ox.ac.uk/rsv.php?page=319

How to receive  feedback

Smile

Say ‘thank you’ to the person giving the feedback – even if through gritted teeth

Listen to the feedback and write it down

Be objective: If you want a second opinion – check with someone who will give you an objective opinion, not just someone who you think will agree with your point of view

Remember, just because you don’t like the person giving you feedback doesn’t meant they are wrong

thanks to Linda Walker,  Associate Dean of the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education, University of Dundee