Feedback- Keeping it Manageable!

We've all done it - we have a game plan in mind as to how to share constructive feedback to our student in “small and digestible bits”. But then the words start pouring out...

Shari Harley's post really speaks to this:  “When giving feedback, less is more” . It is a quick read and there are some natural links to providing feedback in a clinical situation:

• Shari compares planning a feedback conversation to packing for a trip; it is important not to “over pack” a conversation with too much information. This can cloud your message and depending on the student, it might feel uncomfortable or hard to process. 

• The feedback conversation can go in many directions. Taking a few minutes to think about the specific behavior you are targeting can help to focus the conversation. Try leading with that.

• If you find yourself becoming “long-winded,” take a moment to pause and check in with your student to gather their perspective. This is a key step in understanding how they are receiving your feedback and ultimately how they are going to act on it.  For example:

• “What do you think?”

• “How do you feel about what I said?”

• “Do you agree with what I said?”

For more tips on feedback, check out other posts under the “feedback” category of this blog. Providing constructive feedback is such a necessary part of the learning experience but it is truly a skill to learn to do onto itself!

Teresa

Revised by Julie, 2024