Feedback

I have had a similar learning experience on several occasions, each time the feedback I received determined the outcome... ranging from ecstatically positive to depressingly negative.

Each time, I have been asked to do something alien to me, taking me out of my comfort zone completely.
Each time, I have asked for clarification on the instructions so that I could give it my best shot (but still not really knowing what I was doing or how I was going to accomplish the task!)

Example 1 (depressingly negative):
My work was 'rubbished' and instantly dismissed... into the bin!
My reaction was to blame the instructor for poor teaching and I lost respect for him completely. I have never once looked back to the work I did with this person as it had lost all value.
This experience has taught me NEVER to be so negative when giving feedback.

Example 2 (ecstatically positive):
The instructor gave positive comments about my work and praised these. He also gave comments about how I might improve on my work the next time. He gave his time and attention to my work making it have value.
My reation was to listen him and trust him. This gave me confidence to try out his new suggestions and have further success in my work. I have much respect for this instructor and often use his teaching in my work. If ever I am stuck for an idea, I look back over the work I did with him to try to find a solution.
This experience has taught me that it is important to find and appreciate something good in a persons work before offering ways to improve, so that they have the confidence to continue in their learning.

Example 3:
The instructor gave no feedback at all. Has never looked at the work I have produced following his teaching.
My reaction to this is to compare my work to his teaching and then go around in circles deciding if it is worthy of his praise or not - of course I never know the answer and this leaves me still searching for approval!
This experience has taught me that it is important to give some kind of feedback so that the person can think about what they have been told and move on to the next step of learning.

Caron