Embracing Feedback, Transforming Outcomes

Have you ever poured your heart into a project, convinced it was perfect, only to receive feedback that felt like a sharp blade to your soul?

For the past two years, I have been taking both free and paid workshops learning the skills associated with Social Media Marketing, and Instructional Design; investing significant time, energy, and money to expand my passion for educational technology, with the goal of transitioning my skills out of the classroom into an instructional design career.

As an educator, I am used to administrators unexpectedly walking into my classroom watching me teach a class, going over my lesson plans, and watching how I incorporate technology into those lessons making them more student centered. After that observation, I receive feedback about how the administrator thought my lesson went in the form of a rubric. Every year, my rubric and its feedback come back with 'above average' and 'innovative' ratings. These ratings make me proud—I’ve achieved my goal of being an innovative, student-centered teacher.

Imagine then, working harder than you have ever worked on any classroom lesson, on an e-learning course with familiar content, eager to showcase that same 'innovative spirit' to those instructors that warn you about “imposter syndrome” and give you hope that you won’t be stuck within classroom walls forever, only to get that soul crushing feedback that you so daringly asked for. How do you handle it?

At first, I got defensive. My inner critic started its not-so-nice commentary, and I considered two 'easy' outs: quitting or ignoring the feedback. But neither option would help me grow.

After clearing my thoughts, and opening my heart, I began listening to the feedback and suggestions. I made notes on everything this trainer said and duplicated my training to make the suggested adjustments. While it added a few extra weeks to the schedule I had initially planned for myself, it was the best move I could have made. My course is much cleaner, it has better content, and while I do have a few more adjustments to make after my latest feedback, I am so much prouder of it.

Embracing feedback transformed my mindset and my work. Now, as I prepare for my final semester in the classroom, I carry forward the lesson that feedback isn’t criticism, it’s a tool for growth. So, the next time feedback feels like a challenge, lean into it. You'll come out stronger and better equipped to achieve your goals.