feedback
feedback •what is it and why do we get it?
feedback •what is it and why do we get it? •how and when is it given?
feedback •what is it and why do we get it? •how and when is it given? •how should I use it?
feedback •what is it and why do we get it? •how and when is it given? •how should I use it? •what if I don’t like what is said?
feedback •what is it and why do we get it? •how and when is it given? •how should I use it? •what if I don’t like what is said? •is it refered to by other names?
what is it and why do we get it?
feedback is a part of life. From the jovial chant “You’re s*** and you know you are!” echoing around the terraces on a Saturday afternoon to the concerned waiter asking if everything is to your satisfaction, we constantly find ourselves giving or craving feeback. Without it how can anything change? Feedback gives you the oppotunity to talk about your work to an informed audience, to listen to their thoughts and ideas which in turn allow you to proceed in a more informed direction.
feedback is in effect a chance for you to market test your ideas within a safe and creative environment. It gives you an opportunity to recieve input from both staff and peers, to respond, and subsequently to improve.
how and when is it given?
Unlike most courses at the university you are in a unique position; you are entering a programme of continuous feedback. The studio setting allows constant contact with staff and peers, giving you the opportunity to question and to respond almost at will. Most courses rely on term based tutorials as a means of feedback, we see it as an ongoing process. The majority of the feedback you receive will be verbal although you will receive some written feedback as a concise, concrete version of what has been discussed that semester.
how should I use it?
Listen to what is said. You don’t always have to agree with the comments but it is important you listen and take on board others perspective. You will always receive a variety of ideas some which will be better than others but never discount anything until you have reasoned it through. It’s always worth taking a few notes to help remember what is said. Take a little time before you act on any feedback so that you are clear about your course of action.
what if I don’t like what is said?
or alternatively
what if I do like what is said?
Either way it is not a popularity contest. During your time here it is inevitable you will encounter both scenarios. It is important that you don’t take either personally, especially the former. Remember that it is advice about how to develop your work to its best advantage. If you become accostomed to it now and are able to to act upon it you will find the whole process more enjoyable. remember feedback doesn’t end after university. You will have it for the whole of your working life.
does feedback come by other names?
Yes, and here are a few of them: crits, group crits, one to one, a chat... Ok so I’m running out of words but by now you should have gathered that any conversation we have about your work, group based or otherwise is feedback. It is up to you to use ths feedback to help you become a more creative individual. Remember staff are here to guide but it is you who must take the initiative.
This has been your guide to feedback. Thanks for listening!