Week 8 Comments and Feedback

21 Components of Effective Feedback

Source

I chose this image in particular, because I think it gives some pretty important things to keep in mind while giving feedback. Granted, not all of the 21 squares are always applicable to every situation (for example, when giving feedback on story posts, I couldn't necessarily give feedback that is backed by data and multiple sources, as I am giving feedback on how I think a story might flow better) but I think it is important to try and hit as many squares as possible when giving feedback.

Feedback is one of the most important things when it comes to bettering oneself, especially when trying to become a better writer. I think the inclusion of weekly feedback assignments is very helpful for all, as we all become better writers by analyzing what worked and didn't work for others in their stories, as well as reading the comments on our own stories. I also really enjoy the inclusion of introduction blog comments, as even though I only see my classmates through their blog posts, it gives a bit more of a realistic feeling tot he class (I feel like I am actually reading a story written by a classmate and not just editing a random story I found online.) By getting to know others through their blog posts, I feel that sense of a traditional classroom (which I prefer) through an online class. One of the things I have noticed in my feedback being given and feedback being given to me, is that a majority of comments are very nice and friendly. While this doesn't seem to be an issue up front, it has lead to more praise than criticism which I think needs to be at a 50-50 or 60-40 balance. When being praised for what you did right, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there is little to no improvements needed in your writing process. On the other hand, too much criticism can lead to one thinking that they are doing nothing right in their writing process. When given a healthy mix of praise and criticism, we as storytellers are better able to see what we should continue to incorporate as well as what needs fixing. I am guilty of this myself, as I typically give much more praise than criticism. This is why I really enjoy the WWW format. With the WWW format, I have been able to give (and receive) comments that are that healthy mix of praise and criticism. I think by putting a bit more time into the last 2 W's, myself and others can give more effective feedback and eventually become better storytellers and writers.