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by Becky L. Spivey, M.Ed.
As teachers, we have an obligation to teach our students to conduct themselves properly, treat others as they would like to be treated, be respectful, always do their best work, and hopefully, learn from their mistakes. This requires us to offer our students constructive criticism in order to help them accomplish these goals. When students make mistakes or do something wrong, we must take advantage of teachable moments and provide meaningful suggestions to correct or redirect them without deflating their self-esteem. Guiding and teaching students to do tasks or behave appropriately by setting examples or providing “tips” or clever information constructively sends the message that we care and want to help them succeed.
Tips for Providing Constructive Criticism at School
Teachers have as many or more opportunities to use constructive criticism as do parents. When offering constructive criticism, teachers should be encouraging, helpful, and timely – not negative. When offering students constructive criticism about their work, behaviors, or attempts at doing things on their own, think about the following…
- Give students meaningful feedback about their work. This says to them that you care about them and their learning experience. In conversation, compliment students on what they have done well and present suggestions and ideas to help them learn what they have not yet mastered.
- Use body language, facial expressions, anda tone of voice that shows your concernfor your students as you share strategies,tips, or suggestions that will help themimprove their work.
- Give encouraging feedback carefullytailored to the needs of individualstudents. Student egos are fragile, sofeedback should be given one-on-one –not in front of peers. Avoid overwhelmingstudents by addressing specifics ratherthan using a blanket statement. Forexample—don’t say, “This paragraphdoesn’t make any sense. Write it again!”Instead, ask a question—“I didn’tunderstand this sentence. Did you meanto say…?” Give the student a chance toexpress him/herself, and then offer yoursuggestions. If you take students’ ideasseriously, they will work harder to expressthem more clearly.
- Explain the concept of constructivecriticism to students. Help themunderstand that constructive criticism is ameans for teaching that offers suggestionsto help them succeed in their nextattempts to do something they want to dowell.
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