How Should Students Respond to Correction?

There are times when correction is given to students that is meant to be constructive and helpful. Students can sometimes feel distressed or discouraged, especially if they spent a lot of time and effort on the assignment. Students should use the feedback to their advantage. Take the negative feedback and learn to value it. Use the evaluation to identify your errors or mistakes to prevent future problems (see reference 1). Turning a negative experience into a learning experience will help you grow and become more knowledgeable in the subject matter.

• 1

  Accept correction as a chance to gain more knowledge. Strive for excellence in the assigned project. You want to know that you are meeting a mark of excellence. If you were never given any direction in achieving that goal, you would remain an average student.

• 2

  Handle correction with maturity. Some criticism can be harsh and even hurtful. There will be times you are given correction with no clear direction about how to make improvements. Students should talk to instructors to gain a better understanding of what is needed to complete the task.

• 3

  Use correction to improve your abilities. Correction is meant for building, not tearing down. Some instructors have difficulty finding a tactful method of communicating their corrections. Use the instructions as a guide for preventing mistakes (see reference 2). Make a mental note of the correction and don't make the same mistake on future work.

• 4

  Think of corrections as challenges to make you better. Probe your instructors for additional tips before they come to you. Work to reduce corrections by following instructions and guidelines provided by your teacher. Ask questions when an assignment is not clear to you.

• 5

  Take the correction and move on. Letting corrections get to you can harm your ability to analyze and can lower your learning retention. Develop techniques to deal with criticism by ignoring criticism that has no justification. Smile and reply in a positive tone. (See Resource 1)