Missed Group Session Feb. 9: Providing Constructive Feedback

In the education setting, constructive feedback should be to improve an individual’s knowledge and learning.  It is the driving force for professional growth.  Constructive feedback often requires us to say something negative or unpleasant to a peer, which can be challenging for most of us.  According to an article by Robert Pozen (2014) in Harvard Business Review, people respond more strongly to negative events than they do positive ones.  In other words, a negative event typically makes a person more upset than a positive event makes a person happy.  Therefore, hearing negative feedback from a peer may impact an individual more than hearing positive feedback.  We should understand this idea when giving effective constructive feedback.

There are several strategies that can help when giving feedback.  When suggesting changes to a project, it is important to add that the changes are merely suggestions and to acknowledge the peer’s effort and the positive aspects of the project.  There will often be times when negative feedback is necessary.  During these instances, it is important to focus on improving a peer’s learning experience and avoid focusing on criticizing them or their work.  An individual would be more receptive to feedback if it is given in a private setting.  Applying these and other strategies named in the article will be a beneficial tool for refining this skill.

            Reading this article reminded me of the Professional Development Evaluation that is facilitated in the OT program.  The process for providing constructive feedback follows the guidelines explained on this article.  While this was previously a daunting event, the faculty creates a positive environment where negative feedback is given when necessary to enhance the student’s growth.  In conclusion, learning to successfully provide constructive feedback to peers and students is vital to professional, personal, and team growth.  

References: 

Pozen, R. C. (2014, August 07). The Delicate Art of Giving Feedback. Retrieved February 01, 2018, from https://hbr.org/2013/03/the-delicate-art-of-giving-fee