11
2012
Like a good joke…
An article by Stephen Pritchard
…the key to feedback is the timing!
Through my developing understanding of Learning Nutrition and as I begin to grasp Cog Theory (See Create Development) I hope that my coaching, tutoring etc is becoming increasingly learner focussed and that I am beginning to give learners more control of their learning journey.
To accelerate learning it is necessary to challenge learners and put them at the edge of their comfort zone – the Comfort Stretch Panic curve. The feeling of mild discomfort is an important one. The value of this discomfort to the learner may not be immediately evident to them, but after reflection, it’s worth is more likely to be realised. The timing of the feedback we seek from our learners then is vital. I’ve blogged previously about the “Comments book” I use (http://www.gingercoaching.com/?p=171). It is rare for any negative feedback to be left here. I wonder if this suggests I’m not challenging people enough? It could be though, that the environment is one in which the learners feel safe to be challenged and so enjoy it.
So, why the reflection upon this now? I delivered some teacher training not so long ago and gained some feedback with which I was not initially happy – the type put on the standard quality assurance paperwork – about the pace at which the course had progressed. I’d be interested to gain further feedback from this learner after they have had the chance to implement the ideas in their workplace. My reflections lead me to the following thoughts. Either I gave this learner too much freedom and space (during which time I felt a lot of valuable discussion was taking place) or the learner is less aware than others of their own learning and I did not create an environment in which they felt happy. Hopefully the choices I made in my delivery will be justified, but I will never know! I can only base my future practice on the evidence supplied.
My conclusion is that to gain positive instant feedback, a safer approach is required. In order to really challenge learner and accelerate their learning we must risk ruffling a few feathers.
