Comments on: Let me give you some constructive criticism… http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/ For women who are humble enough to seek wisdom yet sensible enough to impart it. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:20:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: SD http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2475 SD Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:18:12 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2475 I suppose now matter how good of a job we do, we can't please everyone. Sometimes people are just cold and vindictive... it could have been over a test score, or any little thing to provoke an insecure kid that thinks the world is out to get them. I think you have a good perspective on the situation. I suppose now matter how good of a job we do, we can’t please everyone. Sometimes people are just cold and vindictive… it could have been over a test score, or any little thing to provoke an insecure kid that thinks the world is out to get them. I think you have a good perspective on the situation.

]]> By: KWiz http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2273 KWiz Mon, 07 May 2007 23:15:16 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2273 Thank you Camille. I often wonder how I will react to the things my daughter says when she gets to those teenage years. I do often ask my students how they're feeling about what's going on in my classes, my teaching, my reactions to them, at the same time getting them to ask questions of their own selves, their behavior, etc. Some responses and reactions I do understand. Some responses and reactions, though, are based on their own self-indulgent stances - that's sort of the nature of this community. So I know I must keep things in perspective, understanding that their opinions and judgments can be valuable at times, but also understanding their own ways of judging the world have yet to be informed by "reality." Thank you Camille. I often wonder how I will react to the things my daughter says when she gets to those teenage years.

I do often ask my students how they’re feeling about what’s going on in my classes, my teaching, my reactions to them, at the same time getting them to ask questions of their own selves, their behavior, etc. Some responses and reactions I do understand. Some responses and reactions, though, are based on their own self-indulgent stances – that’s sort of the nature of this community. So I know I must keep things in perspective, understanding that their opinions and judgments can be valuable at times, but also understanding their own ways of judging the world have yet to be informed by “reality.”

]]> By: Camille Crawford http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2272 Camille Crawford Mon, 07 May 2007 21:44:25 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2272 Kwiz, It's obvious that you care about being a teacher and care about the feelings of your students. Perhaps it's good to remember that you alone are not responsible for your students feelings. I believe the average report you got from your students is likely most accurate. If you wanted to ask your class openly to communicate with you above and beyond the current 'form' they are being asked to supply to you, you could offer to be available to discuss any concerns your students had in a one on one discussion privately. That might allow the 'disgruntled' student to come forward with his or her reasons to you in a safe atmosphere, just you and the student. Perhaps I am naive, but I like to believe that where trust is openly offered and encouraged, difficulties can be discussed. Although, I'm no expert on teenagers I think that sometimes they like to be asked their opinions even though they may not be full of wisdom and that simply being listened to without judgment or fear of repercussions could be helpful to their development. My two cents... I have gone through life with a teenage daughter. She has said many things that were hurtful to me and to others without realizing it. Sometimes teenagers just don't have the life wisdom to understand fully what ails them or how to deal with situations they find difficult. It most often helped with her if I just listened without reacting or judging then allowed her to work through the problem by offering some feedback on her thoughts. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Camille Kwiz,
It’s obvious that you care about being a teacher and care about the feelings of your students. Perhaps it’s good to remember that you alone are not responsible for your students feelings. I believe the average report you got from your students is likely most accurate. If you wanted to ask your class openly to communicate with you above and beyond the current ‘form’ they are being asked to supply to you, you could offer to be available to discuss any concerns your students had in a one on one discussion privately. That might allow the ‘disgruntled’ student to come forward with his or her reasons to you in a safe atmosphere, just you and the student. Perhaps I am naive, but I like to believe that where trust is openly offered and encouraged, difficulties can be discussed. Although, I’m no expert on teenagers I think that sometimes they like to be asked their opinions even though they may not be full of wisdom and that simply being listened to without judgment or fear of repercussions could be helpful to their development.
My two cents…
I have gone through life with a teenage daughter. She has said many things that were hurtful to me and to others without realizing it. Sometimes teenagers just don’t have the life wisdom to understand fully what ails them or how to deal with situations they find difficult. It most often helped with her if I just listened without reacting or judging then allowed her to work through the problem by offering some feedback on her thoughts. I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Camille

]]> By: KWiz http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2264 KWiz Sun, 06 May 2007 21:38:06 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2264 Hi Danielle! I think that if I always knew who was giving me negative feedback, that would be worse than receiving anonymous comments. It's tough any way you see it, as a teacher. Yet, that type of feedback can be helpful anyway. Hi Danielle!
I think that if I always knew who was giving me negative feedback, that would be worse than receiving anonymous comments. It’s tough any way you see it, as a teacher. Yet, that type of feedback can be helpful anyway.

]]> By: KWiz http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2263 KWiz Sun, 06 May 2007 21:36:01 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2263 Thank you, Paula, for your response. There are a couple of weeks left, and my strength most certainly must come from Jesus these days! Thank you, Paula, for your response. There are a couple of weeks left, and my strength most certainly must come from Jesus these days!

]]> By: KWiz http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2262 KWiz Sun, 06 May 2007 21:34:42 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2262 Thank you Keith, for your honest response. And you're probably right; the way we respond to criticism can probably best be attested by those who give it and stay around to see how you react! Thank you Keith, for your honest response. And you’re probably right; the way we respond to criticism can probably best be attested by those who give it and stay around to see how you react!

]]> By: Danielle http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2250 Danielle Fri, 04 May 2007 00:38:13 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2250 I appreciate criticism but it can be hard to take. The worst for me is criticism of my writing skills. I actually purposely failed a writing course because of a rough review of a short story. I use a criticism sandwich. Positive, negative, positive it is much easier to swallow it when presented that way. When it comes to comments I post them and try to be polite while holding my ground. I would not want to read anonymous commentary from students as a teacher though, that must be tough. I appreciate criticism but it can be hard to take. The worst for me is criticism of my writing skills. I actually purposely failed a writing course because of a rough review of a short story. I use a criticism sandwich. Positive, negative, positive it is much easier to swallow it when presented that way. When it comes to comments I post them and try to be polite while holding my ground. I would not want to read anonymous commentary from students as a teacher though, that must be tough.

]]> By: Paula Neal Mooney http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2248 Paula Neal Mooney Thu, 03 May 2007 17:07:17 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2248 Yes, it's funny how people can take out their anger or frustration on the wrong people. Sometimes I look back at folks I've given a hard time and realize I was just fighting the power of God in them, not the person themselves! But I love the teachers I've had. In 10 or 20 years, those kids will realize how much you've changed their lives for the better. Stay strong in Jesus, Paula Yes, it’s funny how people can take out their anger or frustration on the wrong people.

Sometimes I look back at folks I’ve given a hard time and realize I was just fighting the power of God in them, not the person themselves!

But I love the teachers I’ve had.

In 10 or 20 years, those kids will realize how much you’ve changed their lives for the better.

Stay strong in Jesus,
Paula

]]> By: Keith http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/comment-page-1/#comment-2245 Keith Wed, 02 May 2007 20:32:22 +0000 http://wisdomwalking.net/2007/05/02/let-me-give-you-some-constructive-criticism/#comment-2245 Hey KWiz. First of all, the fact that you were so bothered by what that 17-year-old student said is proof of how much you care. Good teachers care, which means they take crticism to heart. Sometimes too much. A bad teacher wouldn't have even bothered to read the review. And as the son of a teacher, the grandson of a high school principal, the husband of a retired teacher whose mother is also a retired teacher, I think I have a pretty good read on teachers. How do I respond to constructive criticism? Tell you the truth, the most honest answer would have to come from those who gave me the criticism, you know? I'd like to think I'm just great at receiving meaningful criticism, especially from those who I know have my best interest at heart, but I know myself well enough to know I can't give the best answer to that one. One thing I will say is that I suspect I'm much more open to criticism that doesn't get ugly or try to tear me down. The minute I see that, whatever the motivation, I instinctively shut down. Hey KWiz.

First of all, the fact that you were so bothered by what that 17-year-old student said is proof of how much you care. Good teachers care, which means they take crticism to heart. Sometimes too much. A bad teacher wouldn’t have even bothered to read the review. And as the son of a teacher, the grandson of a high school principal, the husband of a retired teacher whose mother is also a retired teacher, I think I have a pretty good read on teachers.

How do I respond to constructive criticism? Tell you the truth, the most honest answer would have to come from those who gave me the criticism, you know? I’d like to think I’m just great at receiving meaningful criticism, especially from those who I know have my best interest at heart, but I know myself well enough to know I can’t give the best answer to that one. One thing I will say is that I suspect I’m much more open to criticism that doesn’t get ugly or try to tear me down. The minute I see that, whatever the motivation, I instinctively shut down.

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