12.1 Giving and Receiving Constructive Criticism

Giving and receiving constructive criticism is crucial in writing workshops. It's about providing specific, actionable feedback respectfully to help others improve their work. The key is focusing on the writing itself, not the person, while maintaining a supportive tone.

Balancing feedback is essential. Acknowledge strengths and areas for improvement, frame suggestions as opinions, and encourage open dialogue. Avoid overwhelming the recipient with too much at once. Instead, focus on key areas for revision to foster a growth mindset.

Constructive Criticism in Workshops

Elements of Constructive Criticism

Top images from around the web for Elements of Constructive Criticism

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone of Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  19.2 Telling a Story – Expression and Inquiry View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone of Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Elements of Constructive Criticism

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone of Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  19.2 Telling a Story – Expression and Inquiry View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tone of Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Constructive criticism provides specific, actionable feedback delivered respectfully to help the recipient improve their work
• Focuses on the work itself rather than the person, providing concrete examples (weak character development, unclear plot points) and suggestions
• Maintains a supportive and encouraging tone throughout the feedback process
• Delivered in a timely manner, soon after the work is shared, to ensure relevance and usefulness
• Given in a private setting to avoid embarrassing or discouraging the recipient

Balancing Feedback

• Acknowledges both strengths (vivid descriptions, engaging dialogue) and areas for improvement in the work
• Frames feedback as subjective opinions and suggestions rather than objective truths
• Encourages a collaborative and open dialogue between the giver and recipient of criticism
• Avoids overwhelming the recipient with too much feedback at once, focusing on key areas for revision
• Helps recipients develop a growth mindset, viewing criticism as an opportunity for learning and development

Actionable Feedback for Peers

Providing Specific Feedback

• Points to concrete examples in the work (inconsistent character motivations, confusing plot twists) and avoids generalizations or vague statements
• Offers clear suggestions or strategies for improvement that the recipient can implement in their revisions (developing character backstories, clarifying timeline of events)
• Prioritizes the most significant issues or areas for improvement rather than focusing on minor details
• Uses "I" statements ("I found this section confusing," "I suggest clarifying the character's motivation here") to maintain a non-judgmental tone and emphasize the subjectivity of the critique

Engaging in Dialogue

• Asks questions to encourage the recipient to reflect on their own work and engage in a dialogue about potential revisions
• Provides a balance of positive feedback and constructive criticism to maintain a supportive and encouraging tone
• Offers specific examples of what is working well in the piece (strong sensory details, effective pacing) to reinforce successful techniques
• Avoids overwhelming the recipient with too much feedback at once, focusing on key areas for improvement and allowing time for reflection and revision
• Encourages the recipient to ask clarifying questions and share their own thoughts on the feedback provided

Active Listening for Feedback

Receiving Feedback Effectively

• Fully focuses on the person providing feedback, avoiding interruptions or defensiveness
• Seeks to understand the feedback provider's perspective, even if it differs from one's own initial views
• Asks clarifying questions to ensure a thorough understanding of the feedback and to demonstrate engagement in the conversation
• Takes time to process and reflect on the feedback before responding or implementing changes to avoid reactive or defensive responses
• Acknowledges valid points or areas for improvement, even if one initially disagrees with the criticism

Maintaining an Open Mindset

• Views feedback as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a personal attack or failure
• Recognizes that feedback is subjective and based on the provider's perspective and experiences
• Avoids dismissing feedback outright, instead considering how it might be applied to strengthen the work
• Engages in self-reflection to identify patterns in feedback received and areas for personal and professional development
• Expresses gratitude for the time and effort put into providing constructive feedback, recognizing it as a valuable tool for improvement

Constructive vs Unconstructive Criticism

Characteristics of Constructive Criticism

• Specific, actionable, and delivered with the goal of helping the recipient improve their work
• Focuses on the work itself, providing concrete examples and suggestions for improvement
• Delivered privately and in a timely manner, soon after the work is shared
• Maintains a supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental tone
• Offers a balance of positive feedback and areas for improvement

Characteristics of Unconstructive Criticism

• Vague, personal, or delivered in a harsh, judgmental, or dismissive tone
• Focuses on the person rather than the work, using accusatory, insulting, or discouraging language
• Often delivered publicly or long after the work is completed, lacking timeliness and relevance
• Lacks specific examples or suggestions for improvement, leaving the recipient feeling attacked or unsure of how to proceed
• May be influenced by personal biases, power dynamics, or a lack of understanding of the work or context

Distinguishing Between the Two

• Pay attention to both the content and delivery of the feedback, considering the specificity, actionability, and tone
• Consider the relationship and power dynamics between the giver and recipient of the feedback, and how these may influence the nature of the criticism
• Reflect on the potential impact of the feedback on the recipient's motivation, self-esteem, and ability to improve their work
• Evaluate whether the feedback aligns with the goals and values of the workshop or feedback session, promoting a supportive and growth-oriented environment
• Trust one's instincts and emotional responses to the feedback, while also remaining open to constructive criticism that may initially feel challenging or uncomfortable