Post date: May 30, 2014 5:15:41 PM
Writers sometimes don't know what to do with the feedback they receive on their writing, whether it's from a classmate, a friend, a teacher, a tutor, or a writing center consultant. On the one hand, writers crave feedback; on the other hand, when it is at all critical (or even when it's not), they may feel confused, hurt, insulted, or even downright angry. Here are some suggestions for using feedback productively and responding to it appropriately.
First, read through the feedback carefully (if it's written) or listen fully; take brief notes as you read or listen. Someone took the time to read and respond to your writing, so the least a writer can do, especially when you've sought feedback, is to consider carefully what readers have said or written. If the feedback is verbal, avoid interrupting or "correcting" them midway through their feedback. Actively read/listen, and try to be as objective as possible in considering what they have to say. Taking notes also helps you to focus, and the notes can be useful to review later.
Thank readers for providing feedback on your writing, even if you disagree with it. If you are puzzled by some of the feedback or want to correct an obvious misunderstanding about the writing, you may want to say something at this point, such as "I'm confused by the feedback on page two. Are you saying that I should. . . . . " or "I just wanted to note that I was talking about [insert text] on page 3, where you assumed I was instead talking about [insert text]. I probably need to make that clearer." At all times, remain polite, particularly in writing, where they cannot see your facial expression or hear the tone of your voice.
After receiving feedback--if your time allows for it--wait for a day or two and review the feedback or your notes about the feedback again. By letting a little time pass, you may become more objective and will be able to appreciate more fully the feedback you received.
Know that readers may focus on an issue in a way that strikes you, the writer, as inaccurate. Maybe, they've said, "It doesn't seem as if you've spent much time developing this second point," when, in fact, you need to revise some of your sentences to make it clear that you are discussing this second point at length. In other words, sometimes, you have to read beyond their comment or suggestion to see what the real problem is.
When you revise your work, know that you don't have to follow all of the advice you received. Just use what makes sense to you. Your writing remains your own, and you decide whether or not you're going to tweak your thesis, as one reader suggested, or provide an additional example to support your point on page 5. Ultimately, how you use the feedback you receive is up to you, the writer. Of course, don't avoid following advice because you realize that you'll have to start your essay all over again or otherwise have to spend a lot of time revising, and you don't want to go to "all that work." Do what's necessary to make your writing the best it can be.
If you haven't already done so, take advantage of your local writing center for additional assistance. A savvy, sympathetic, trained writing consultant can help you improve that draft, and you can come back as often as you like!
For graduate students and others considering feedback, you might want to read this thoughtful piece: "Why Does Feedback Hurt Sometimes?"