Focusing on Improvement

One of the exercises we did at the first in-person class yesterday was to develop a strategic goal.  The purpose of the exercise was not to develop the goal, as much as it was a way to experience one way of providing assessment that helps both the student and instructor.  In this exercise, Robin – the instructor for the class – critiqued the goals we did.  She focused on the goals that were not completed consistent with her vision of how the goal should be written – for example, a measurement might be confused with the goal statement.  Robin’s point was that by focusing on the elements that needed improvement it provided feedback for her as an instructor as to what she needed to improve – in this case the description of what the measurement is.

As I reflected on this, I realized it was a good way to provide feedback to the student, as well, providing them with information on where they were stuck – i.e., help them at the level they needed it.  I often focus on what is working well.  I did not feel Robin was not negating the need for acknowledgement and positive reinforcement, but more that with limited time this might be effective.