Long Tail Learning Rule #3: Feedback

In November, I presented Long Tail Learners to a small group of thought leaders assembled by Intel at edIT. We had an animated discussion about my Long Tail Learner Rules:

1. Aggregation really matters.
2. Niches are communities and technology brings people together.
3. Feedback is essential.
4. The data has the answers: let the data free.

The most discussion came from number 3: Feedback is Essential. Anyone who has skimmed the comments on a typical YouTube Video or a hot button article sees everything from thoughtful opinions and applause to rude comments and lies. We talked alot about how to elicit feedback and how to create an atmosphere that helps teachers respond to suggestions in a positive way. If we really want to improve learning in our classrooms, we have to find out more about what’s working through data, surveys, and public feedback.

I was reminded of my last speaking experience. A blogger “plurked” about my talk. Flattered, I followed the link to see what she said: “Ugh, the speaker is reading off of her slides.” I scrolled down to read about 15 comments by people who weren’t even there, knocking my talk. One person said, “Tell her to read Presentation Zen.” I went to Amazon.com, ordered the book, read it on my next plane trip and completely re-did my presentation. I removed most of the text from my slides and added fun visuals, forcing me to speak about the ideas with anecdotes and stories. I know that the presentation was more compelling and engaging.

But it took alot of effort to get beyond the disappointment of reading that initial comment. I had a lot of talks with my husband (who is always encouraging). I reminded myself that there were lots of people in the audience nodding in agreement with my comments and taking notes. Several people came up to me after the presentation and shared their thoughts as well as how they planned to use the information back at their own organization.

In the end, I’m grateful to the plurker who recommended the book. He gave me a way to improve my presentation and become a better speaker. If we want teachers, principals, and educators to be better, we have to help them. And students should be ready to receive and give good criticism so that they can be better too. When I think about every job I’ve held in the last 20 years, giving and receiving criticism is just about the most valuable skill I’ve developed.