Constructive Criticism Teaching Notes

Approximate Time Required
Skill Station: ~5 min + a few minutes for class discussion
Group processing: 5 min max.

A. Explain the Need: Educators use constructive criticism every day, yet this concept is new to most students. Explain what it is-a way to address problems without attacking the person. This skill station is especially important before students evaluate each other’s writing during peer review1 and when issues are discussed in an academic controversy2.

B. Define and Model: Introduce the importance of giving and receiving constructive criticism by providing examples and modeling behaviors. In every example, compliment and suggest ways to improve.

Here are some examples to introduce the skill:
• Someone broke a beaker containing a solution your group just made. “Thank you for your willingness to work hard [compliment], but let’s be a little more careful next time [suggestion for improvement].”

• One student from the group continually comes late to class. “Our group appreciates your contributions [compliment], but we need you here on time so we can benefit from your presence [suggestion for improvement].”

• Students disagree during a heated discussion about a moral issue. “I acknowledge your opinion [compliment], but heartily disagree. You should consider this side of the issue, too [suggestion for improvement].”

C. Practice: Students may not use this skill during the class period unless you are using an academic controversy or peer review. However, remind students that this skill is valuable, and look for times to practice it throughout the course.

D. Evaluate: At the end of the period, take time so each student can evaluate how well the group performed the skill.

E. Feedback/Reflection: It’s important for students to identify their feelings about being corrected this way. Most will agree that being criticized constructively is superior to the more destructive ways students modify each other’s behaviors.

1http://mwp01.mwp.hawaii.edu/peer_review.htm
2http://www.wnet.org/peaceful/stratf.html