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Feedback as a Teaching Tool
Why do we, in general, stink at giving feedback?
- We were never taught how to do it
- We fear we will hurt someone's feelings
- It's painful to give feedback
Consider a few quick pearls that will increase your success at giving valuable feedback:
- Realize that learners (students/residents) crave feedback....proven in multiple studies
- Feedback IS a powerful teaching tool and isn't just a way of evaluating someone.
- Avoid at all cost, the phrase,"good job." Be specific about what you mean
- Praise in public, perfect in private
- Avoid the "complain syndrome" and don't fall victim to it. This refers to the phenomenon in which we complain about a behavior or trait and NEVER actuall tell the person. We have all done it. Set yourself apart from others by giving the learner the needed feedback.
- Learners won't improve without feedback. Just like the Nike commercial says,"Just do it!"