Feedback and tutoring can be game-changers in your academic journey. They provide you with the insights and guidance needed to elevate your skills, improve your work, and achieve better results.
Whether it’s feedback on an assignment or one-on-one time with a tutor, knowing how to make the most of these opportunities is crucial.
This guide will walk you through how to leverage feedback and maximize your tutoring sessions for continuous improvement and success.
Why feedback matters
Feedback is more than just comments on your work—it’s your guide to academic growth. It highlights what you’re doing right and pinpoints where you can improve. By embracing feedback, you can:
- Identify your strengths and build on them.
- Spot weaknesses and develop a plan to overcome them.
- Refine your approach for future tasks.
Remember, feedback isn’t just about fixing mistakes; it’s about evolving and learning with each experience.
7 steps to maximize spoken feedback:
1. Take detailed notes:
Record both positive feedback and critical comments during the presentation to ensure you capture all key points.
2. Express gratitude:
Thank the person providing feedback, whether it’s a fellow student, teacher, or guest commentator. Acknowledge their insights and time.
3. Practice active listening:
Fully engage with the feedback by focusing on what’s being said. Avoid interrupting, and ask clarifying questions if necessary.
4. Respond thoughtfully to questions:
If asked about your process or how you developed certain ideas, respond calmly and clearly, explaining your approach or reasoning.
5. Avoid reacting to criticism immediately:
Resist the urge to defend your work right away. Instead, thank the person and mention that you’ll reflect on their feedback.
6. Reflect on the feedback:
After the presentation, take time to consider the feedback you received. Think about how it can help you improve in future presentations.
7. Create a “cover note summary”:
Write a brief summary of the key points from the feedback and how you plan to address them in your next presentation. Use this as a reference for continuous improvement.
10 steps to maximize written feedback:
1. Read the feedback thoroughly:
Carefully review the comments, aiming to understand both the specific points and the overall perspective of the reviewer.
2. Re-read your assignment:
Analyze the sections of your work that the feedback addresses.
Identify areas where improvements are suggested.
3. Highlight and cross-reference:
Mark key feedback points in your assignment and cross-reference them with the original text.
Note where corrections and suggestions align with your work.
4. Consider all comments:
Pay equal attention to both positive and negative feedback.
Use praise to reinforce your strengths and critiques to address areas for growth.
5. View feedback as constructive:
Treat feedback as a combination of compliments and recommendations.
It’s not just about what needs fixing, but also about what you’re doing well.
6. Engage in idea exchange:
Use feedback as a starting point for further discussion or idea development.
If something is unclear or sparks new ideas, consider discussing it with your instructor or peers.
7. Revise your assignment:
Make the necessary corrections based on the feedback.
This might involve rewriting sections, adding more detail, or clarifying your arguments.
8. Create a cover note:
Summarize the changes you’ve made in a brief cover note.
This shows how you’ve applied the feedback and helps in reflecting on your improvements.
9. Organize your materials:
Keep the original assignment, the revised version, and the cover note together.
This will be a valuable reference for future work.
10. Submit the revised version (if required):
If your instructor requests it, turn in the corrected version along with the cover note.
This demonstrates your commitment to learning and improvement.
Maximizing your tutoring sessions
Here is a winning checklist of things to do before, during, and after your tutoring sessions:
- Schedule your session: Make an appointment with your tutor or attend during their scheduled office hours to ensure you have dedicated time for support.
- Review your assignment beforehand: Go over your completed assignment before the session to refresh your memory and identify specific areas where you need help.
- Identify areas of uncertainty: Mark sections of your assignment where you’re unsure or have questions. Prepare a list of concerns or topics you want to discuss with your tutor.
- Bring all necessary materials: Come to the session with your assignment, the list of questions or concerns, and any additional forms or documents your tutor may need to assist you.
- Engage actively during the session: Collaborate with your tutor by discussing your questions and concerns. Take notes on the feedback and strategies they provide for improvement.
Handling negative feedback constructively
One more aspect we want to address is how to handle negative feedback constructively, as we know this is the most important yet difficult aspect, since sometimes the feedback is not easy to take.
- Step back and breathe
If feedback feels harsh, resist the urge to react immediately. Taking a step back gives you the space to approach it more calmly and objectively. Remember, feedback is meant to help you grow, not to bring you down.
Example: Imagine receiving an essay back with extensive red marks and comments that seem overly critical. Your first reaction might be frustration or disappointment. Instead of reacting right away, set the paper aside for a few hours or even overnight. When you revisit it, you’ll be in a better mindset to objectively assess the feedback and identify specific areas to improve.
- Clarify when necessary
If anything in the feedback is unclear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. Set up a time to discuss it with your teacher or tutor, focusing on understanding how to improve. This proactive approach shows your dedication to learning.
Example: After receiving a low grade on a lab report with feedback that states, “unclear methodology,” you might not fully understand what was unclear. Rather than guessing, approach your teacher during office hours and ask, “Could you explain what you found unclear about my methodology? I want to make sure I improve it in future reports.” This shows that you are willing to learn and committed to getting better results.
Final thoughts
Both feedback and tutoring are invaluable tools in your learning toolkit.
By approaching them with an open mind and a proactive attitude, you can continuously improve and achieve your academic goals.
Whether it’s refining an assignment or deepening your understanding of a subject, being receptive to feedback and making the most of tutoring sessions will set you on the path to success.