Students working in groups need to correct each other without hurting feelings.  By complimenting, then making suggestions for improvement, this skill station offers students a positive way to provoke change.

Constructive criticism is a way of encouraging others to change without alienating them.  There are many ways to evoke change-this exercise lets you practice one. 

In this form, constructive criticism compliments the person, then makes specific suggestions for improvement.  Here’s an example of how you might improve someone’s incorrect answer to a question: “I like your thinking [the compliment], but maybe you should consider this idea instead [the suggestion for improvement].”

Use this technique to address unprofessional behaviors, correct mistakes, or express disagreement – all without getting personal.

Consider the following situation:

Your group needs to turn in a lab report for grading.  One member volunteers to assemble the report into its final form.  Before you turn it in, you read the report and find several errors.  How would you use constructive criticism to tell your teammate about the mistakes?    

Imagine another situation where you might use constructive criticism in your group.  Share your situation and decide how to address the problem using your new skill.

Practice this skill when working with your group.

Group Processing:

1. As a receiver of criticism, you understand that critique is meant to help you improve, not accuse you of wrongdoing.  How would you feel receiving constructive criticism?

2. Constructive criticism requires that you put yourself in the receiver’s shoes and imagine how your criticism will be interpreted.  What other models of constructive criticism would be interpreted well by the receiver?

3. Rate how well your group uses constrictive criticism.

• Teaching Notes