Giving Feedback and Effective Learning

Catherine Striley, PhD, MSW, MPEResearch Assistant Professor, Department

of Psychiatry

IntroductionMentoring may be one of the most effective

learning techniquesMentors can help the mentee use the

experiential learning process, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and can provide helpful feedback

Helpful feedback is given using a positive, open style Shows respect, interest, clear desire to help

The content of helpful feedback is specific, descriptive“I” messages

OverviewMentoring and

Effective LearningExercise

Providing FeedbackExercises

Discussion

Learning Roles of the MentorAdvising Sharing knowledgeTutoring on performance, Being the master to the apprentice, Providing information and opportunities, and Modeling appropriate scientific behavior

(National Academy of Sciences 1997)The other mentoring roles are more supportive

and relationalBut, these roles are part of what makes the

learning effective, so don’t forget them!

Effective Learning: ReviewSystematic review of the literature conducted

by Steinert et al. Medical Teacher 2006, 28,60:497-526

Use experimental learningExperience, reflect, theorize, experiment (Kolb,

1984)Provide feedbackUse effective peer and colleague relationshipsUse a diversity of methods to intervene

Effective LearningMentoring is a learner-centered process

(Zachary 2000)Allows the mentee to learn through

observation, action, reflection and dialogue (Schon 1987)

“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.”

Learning by action, then reflectionHolisticRequires the learner take responsibility and

accountabilitySchön, D. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner, New York:

Basic BooksKolb, D. (1984) Experiential Learning, New Jersey: Prentice

Hall, Inc.

Experiential Learning

Kolb. D. A. and Fry, R. (1975) 'Toward an applied theory of experiential learning; in C. Cooper (ed.) Theories of Group Process, London: John Wiley.

Effective Mentoring“Setting clear expectations, Regularly assessing their student’s

understanding, Fostering independence, and Asking colleagues for advice when

confronted with a challenge in mentoring” (Pfund et al. 2006).

Start with an Agreement/Plan IAssociation of American Medical Colleges

Compacthttp://www.aamc.org/research/postdoccompact/po

stdoccompact.pdfExpectations of the mentor

Develop the skills needed to promote the career of the mentee.

Mutually agreed upon set of expectations and goals are in place at the outset

Relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

Start with an Agreement/Plan IIExpectations of the mentor

Promote all ethical standards for conducting researchProvide sufficient opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to become an expert

Provide guidance and mentoring, and will seek the assistance of other faculty and departmental/institutional resources when necessary

Encourage networking and interaction with fellow scientists

Ensure appropriate creditAssist in exploring appropriate career options Commit to being a supportive colleague as they transition

Agreement/Plan Gives Assessment Tool Regular, periodic assessment of where the

person isReally providing the opportunity for them to

assess, reflect, and set new goals

Encourage Peer-to-Peer LearningWriting groupsMentoring groupsLab-based groupsBrown-bags

Exercise 1Milton comes into your office and asks if you

have time to meet with him. He then reveals that an article he submitted has been rejected for publication, and tells you that he thinks the comments were personal and hateful. He believes that he should turn the article around to another journal immediately because the reviewers weren’t fair.What would you want Milton to learn from this

experience?How can you facilitate Milton learning this

lesson?

What Kind of Feedback do You Give?Feedback diagnostic testhttp://www.mgt-online.com/begin/

giving_receiving_feedback/section1/sect1a.phtml

Ineffective/Negative DeliveryAttackingIndirectInsensitiveDisrespectfulJudgmentalToo generalPoor timing. ImpulsiveSelfish OUCH!

http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/growth/feedback.html

Effective/Positive Delivery SupportiveDirectSensitiveConsiderateDescriptiveSpecificHealthy timingThoughtfulImpulsiveHelpfulhttp://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/growth/feedback.html

Negative/Closed Style

DefensiveAttackingDeniesDevaluesInvulnerableRationalizesPatronizingSuperficialGIVER AND RECEIVED CAN BE CLOSEDhttp://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/growth/feedback.html

Exercise 2Describe a time when you gave up pursuing

some activity or goal.Did any negative feedback influence your

decision?Describe a time when you wanted to give up,

but didn’t.Did anyone give you helpful feedback?Did anyone encourage you? What did this look

like? Sound like?

Positive/Open Style

Open and vulnerableResponsive and acceptingRespectfulEngagedThoughtfulInterested

Adapted from http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/growth/feedback.html

Exercise 3You are in the final stage of a grant

application due tomorrow and expect Angini, your mentee, to have the background section completed. You believe you provided clear instruction to her and helped get her started.

Angini brings you the section in bullet form, but the points are tangential and do not help build the case for your proposal.

Dividing into pairs, one of you play the role of Angini, the other the mentor.

SummaryMentoring itself can be an effective learning

technique, using the experiential learning process, providing feedback, and encouraging peer-to-peer learning

Helpful feedback is given using a positive, open style

Helpful feedback is always supportive and respectful, even while it is challenging

Attacking a person, rather than an issue, is a sure way to ruin a relationship

More InformationLots of wonderful resources are available!

The Elements of Mentoring by W. Brad Johnson and Charles R. Ridley

Effective Coaching: Lesson’s from the Coach’s Coach by Myles Downey

The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships by Lois J. Zachary

Power Mentoring by Ellen Ensher and Susan Murphy

Mentoring: How to Develop Successful Mentor Behaviors by Gordon F. Shea