As spring semester classes wind down at Columbia College, I am always amazed when reflecting back on what I learn from my students. Whether it be overt or covert, they teach me about humanity; learning; give and take; communications; and balancing dreams with realities.
Today, we did essay evaluations on my Oral Communications for Managers classes. The students share (at least) one thing going well and (at least) one change that they would suggest for my future classes—all relating to my teaching style, syllabus, exercises, and the learning environment we’ve created together as a group. I’m honored (AND humbled!) by the positive impact that I make on the students. As well, I’m open and appreciative of their ideas for improvement.
One comment I heard from several students in both classes was their appreciation of a feedback format that we call ‘valentines’. I take scrap pieces of paper (ever the ‘green’ instructor!) and they write one thing that went well and one thing to improve upon for their peers post-speeches. These notes are anonymous to encourage candid feedback. They pass them out to one another at the end of the class (similar to the tiny valentine’s that you are required to give to your classmates in elementary school!) Today’s essay comments such as: “I really liked critiques from the perspective from my peers, even when it was hard to hear” and “Feedback from my peers helped me to become more confident and added to my overall takeaway from this class” reminded me of how much peer feedback does matter.
In our design and construction profession, we may falsely believe (especially early in our careers) that we just need to impress our bosses or our clients. We may dismiss signals from peers—positive or constructive—that would actually make an impact on us if we were to hear or feel that same feedback from someone we considered more ‘important’. We may think: “It doesn’t matter what he thinks; he’s not the boss of me” or “Sure, she says I did a great job but it’s a worthless compliment because she has no influence on my future here at the firm.” These statements could not be further from the truth. Someday you might be working for those who are currently your peers. Someday you may need their assistance on a team project, or their support because they may be working for you. And in any case, these peers may very well have valid insight that you need to open your mind to hear and consider.
Two class sessions remain in our semester, and I’m looking forward to any final nuggets of insight that I will glean from my students. Funny. Whether they know it or not, they are all teachers. This reminds me of our salutation shared at the close of every yoga class, ‘namaste‘, which means: “All that is best and highest in me salutes all that is best and highest in you.”