Feedback and Improvement
Feedback has an alignment with improvement wherein it is through feedback that improvement takes shape in individuals or organizations, thus assuring of future progress. If the feedback was in the lines of mistakes made, the probability of the same mistake to get repeated reduces; having a learning experience gets into focus. The low chances of repeating mistakes arise from the aspect of pointing out a mistake constitutes as feedback, thus having a resultant influence of behavior positively. So to say, the feedback impacts performance and, therefore, of significance in the society for individuals seeking to improve their endeavors. It is as Jun claims, ‘it has an intrinsic benefit: it provides knowledge on how to improve what we do and how we do it (Jun).’ In this case, taking heed of the feedback given sees growth as better in a given aspect. It is also imperative to suggest that feedback is criticism but in a constructive manner, pointing out poor performance. However, feedback not only focuses on mistakes but also points out areas performed well for consistency, as Wiggins postulates.
Besides my undergraduate studies, I am a part-time photographer, selling my creations online. With my pieces of photographs shared on social media platforms, I have been trying to land deals with influential people to further develop in the industry but always missing to make it among fellow photographers. It was not until I got feedback from the comments sections in one of the photographs that I shared that I got to understand my mistake, thus appreciating the value of feedback relative to improvement. The photograph that I shared was of an adorable baby deer that I came across in the woods. As usual, I posted it on Instagram, where I got the feedback that changed my photography approach.
In the comment section, one of my followers had commented, ‘That is a cute deer with a terrific background, but the picture is dull. It is boring bro, throw in some color, spice it up, bring joy!’ Other comments also had their focus on how I was selfish with my lighting. Interestingly, another comment read, ‘You do not have to show us how boring your town is. Get a better lens, brighten your photographs, or hang up your hat.’ With a focus on the criticism and response from the comments, I decided to take heed of their concerns, took down the photograph, and commenced editing. I fixed the contrast and improved the lighting in the photograph. I also added highlights on the photograph, and the outcomes were so impressive that I regretted not having added a few edits to my work.
Posting the same photograph with edits on the next day, it got well-received with hundreds of likes and comments. With a few weeks of sharing my edited pieces of work on Instagram, I got approached by one of the upcoming social influencers to help with filming videos for the recent sensational platform dubbed ‘TikTok.’ Moreover, I got a contract to take shots in one of the hotels by the beach with sunset lovers. Had there been no critiques on my Instagram timeline, I would not have learned of my mistakes and most definitely still be posting dull photographs. Currently, my photographs are well-lit, receiving positive feedback. In this encounter, constructive criticism in the form of feedback that changed my perspective on criticism, learning that despite being negative, taking note of the issue that people address and fixing it has an evident advantage and thus improvement seen.
The aspect of consistency arose, having most of my followers agree that my photographs were boring and dull. In this sense, it was stable and accurate, where a change of the aspect led to positive results. The outcome was also user-friendly, having myself easily recognize the mistake that I had. It was my decision from the start of my career to have authentic photographs without edits, not knowing the repercussions that would come with it. I had never tried editing and therefore had no idea of the outcomes.
In conclusion, feedback is vital in improvement, being the information on how individuals or firms are progressing according to Wiggins. The information can be in the form of advice, praise, criticism, or evaluation, where a consequent change in the aspects results in an improvement in poor performance (Wiggins). Feedback must also not necessarily be negative as there can be positive feedback, having an individual know the aspects that they are doing well to improve further or maintain consistency.
Works Cited
Jun Paul. “The Art of Feedback: Striking a Balance Between Guidance and Criticism.” Lifehacker. N.p., 5 Dec. 2015. Web. 30 Aug. 2020.
Wiggins, Grant. “Seven Keys to Effective Feedback – Educational Leadership.” ASCD: Professional Learning & Community for Educators. N.p., Sept. 2012. Web. 30 Aug. 2020.