Should Peer FEEDBACK be ignored?
Students on the BPTC and LPC will be getting used to a new feature of learning …PEER FEEDBACK! What on earth can you learn from another student and can it really help you to improve? Is peer feedback critical rubbish you should ignore?
?? WHAT IS IT?
PEER FEEDBACK is simply one student giving another student feedback on their work. Peer feedback is often used in small groups skills subjects, such as advocacy and drafting classes.
Anyone can criticise, simply pointing out what was “wrong” with a performance or work is NOT helpful on its own.
?? THE OBJECTIVE of CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
· Identify an area for improvement – with a specific example
· Explain why there was a problem
· Provide a solution to overcome the problem
?? YOUR JOB RECEIVING FEEDBACK
? Listen and write it down [even if you disagree with it]
? Reflect on the feedback [after class]
? Review your performance or work with this feedback in mind
? Implement the feedback solution [by re-performing your advocacy or re-drafting your work]
? Review the new improved performance or written work!
?? REFLECT & REVIEW
This requires you to do something uncomfortable on a very competitive course. Lower the defensive barriers and take an honest look at the message from the feedback. You have to be receptive to others seeing something in your performance or work that you did NOT see.
If you can trust and believe that those providing the feedback are trying to HELP YOU why not try their solution and see what happens…you have nothing to lose.
You may not like the feedback or the person who gave it but honestly put that to one side and the only question is:
?? “If I implement this feedback is there a possibility that my work or performance could improve?” ??
If you do not agree with the feedback, after careful thought, ask yourself are there parts of the feedback you could accept and implement?
?? BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS PROVIDING FEEDBACK
Here are some benefits:
Identifying problems in other students’ work is also a learning opportunity for the feedback student, YOU. Note to self:
“Try not to do this in my own performance or work.”
Improving your critical analysis skills – if you can identify problems and find solutions in your feedback – this is a skill you will use again and again on your own work.
Much of developing your legal skills will depend on you being able to see
?? Areas WHERE you went WRONG,
?? WHERE you can IMPROVE and
?? HOW you can IMPLEMENT changes.
Providing feedback makes YOU more receptive to your own feedback from students. This helps you to enjoy all the benefits of improving your learning with constructive feedback from others.
Once you start work, training as barrister or solicitor you will receive plenty of feedback. You will be in a great place to understand and appreciate feedback from your supervisor.
?? DOES CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK WORK?
Try it before you dismiss peer feedback as critical rubbish. Constructive feedback is a great tool for you, whether you are receiving or giving feedback, to help you develop your legal skills. On a course where legal skills have to be developed rapidly this is a valuable resource no student should ignore. So the next time a tutor or student asks for peer feedback, please step up and offer another student constructive feedback. ?
If you would like to work on your critical thinking and analysis read my book, 10 Reasons You Didn’t Write an Outstanding Opinion. [Available on Amazon] or book a free consultation with Suzanne at www.inspiredtostudy.org