Why Feedback Matters (Blog Post #5)
Ayeee it's great to have you back for another blog post! 📃
On the topic of feedback, novice writers need supportive, specific, and focused comments that help them grow, rather than simply pointing out mistakes. From teachers, novice writers can benefit from clear guidance about what strong writing looks like and how to revise their work. Teachers can help by modeling strategies, explaining how arguments are constructed, help writers connect their work to meaningful issues, and offer feedback that pushes students to think more deeply about their ideas. But, some individuals may have a hard time giving feedback to others because they don't want to be too picky. Those same people also may enjoy reading work from other individuals so much that they think that everyone has their own unique way of writing. (That's me, if you couldn't tell). I loveee giving positive feedback allll the timeee, and I also find it difficult to say anything else besides "I love this part" orrr "maybe you could reword this sentence here." While it's always important to give positive comments to other individuals, writers also need more constructive feedback that will actually help them revise their work for the better. And I definitely need to work on not correcting every piece of grammar mistake or weird-sounding sentence I see.
But with giving feedback to others, new writers can also feel overwhelmed when receiving these comments, especially if it focuses only on what is wrong. The "Book Review of Educating for Empathy: Literacy Learning and Civic Engagement" talks about literacy and empowerment. More specifically, the author states "through the careful teaching of their coaches about how strong arguments are constructed ... debaters become more sophisticated about recognizing bias and questioning faulty assumptions- both their own and those of others." When teachers frame feedback this way, writing becomes more than an academic task. Instead, writing can be a way for students to develop critical thinking and understand the world around them. The author also argues that literacy should connect to real-world engagement, stating that "if the empathy that we develop does not influence our behavior at the ballot box or on the streets of our communities, then the disposition actually does not mean much at all." In other words, writing should help students express ideas that matter and connect their voices to larger conversations.
Peers and writing coaches also play an important, but slightly different role in supporting novice writers. Peer feedback can help writers see how their work is understood by real readers. Sometimes it's easier for writers to accept suggestions from classmates because the conversation feels collaborative, rather than evaluative. I mean, if you're someone like me, I hateee getting feedback from anyone in general. I mean, I love the comments that are building off an idea of loving the same interests, but I honestly avoid reading constructive feedback as much as possible (even though I knowww that those comments are the most helpful for improving my writing). As for writing coaches though, they often help writers reflect on their thinking and guide them through revision by asking questions, rather than giving direct answers. This process helps writers develop independence and confidence. Along with this, storytelling and meaningful communication in writing are also both important topics that connect to ideas from the "Why Children's Stories Are a Powerful Tool to Fight Climate Change" article about the power of narrative. As this author explains, "our brains are hardwired for narrative understanding, not numbers," which shows why writing that tells a story or connects to real experiences is often more engaging and impactful. I mean, personally, I don't like reading anything that has to do with real life events. I love a good story that can take me away from real life for a little bit, and to dream the day away. I also love a good book that leaves me wanting to read more with every little cliffhanger the author drops in each chapter. Especially with books like The Haunting by Natasha Preston, It by Stephen King, and One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus. All of those books have kept me hooked with each scary hint they drop.
This same author from the "Why Children's Stories Are a Powerful Tool to Fight Climate Change" article emphasizes that "stories that move us do so on a personal level and change us from within in ways that facts alone never could." Teachers, peers, and coaches all share the responsibility of helping writers communicate ideas clearly and meaningfully, but their roles differ slightly. Teachers provide structure and expectations, peers can offer a reader's perspective, and coaches focus on guiding the revision process. When these roles work together, they can create a supportive environment where novice writers experiment with ideas, develop their voices, and see writing as a powerful way to participate in the world.
Resource for Supporting Writers:
A helpful resource for writing strategies comes from the National Writing Project. This organization provides tools for peer feedback, writing workshops, and coaching strategies that emphasize collaboration and authentic writing experiences. Their resources focus on helping writers improve through practice, reflection, and supportive feedback.
Well, I think that pretty much sums up the kinds of support that writers need! ✍
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Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI really loved your analogy you made using LEGOs. I think it really does illustrate the reality newer writers face in their pursuit of writing. The distinction you make in the role of peers in giving feedback vs the role of coaches giving feedback was also well put. Thinking of your peers more as your target audience and thinking of your coaches as the ones assisting you towards clearer thoughts in writing emphasizes the importance of the individual roles in writing. I also liked how you talked about making feedback less about academic achievement and more helpful for developing critical thinking skills.
Hi Emily! I also found your LEGO analogy to be very effective, and as I continued to read more into your philosophy on writing I understood better why LEGOs were the representation you chose for writing. As you mentioned in the second paragraph, some writing coaches recognize that writers all have their own unique approach and should be encouraged to explore their approach with positive feedback that embraces their individuality. The beauty of LEGOs is that you can build anything with them, just like you can write about anything! But, when children first venture into LEGOs, they often don't understand the basics of building foundations for their creations and how to connect pieces in ways that will make their works more sturdy. Just like with novice writers, they need to be taught (usually through modeling and repeated practice) the foundational skills and strategies to be able to eventually create whatever their heart desires.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI am jumping on the train with your LEGO analogy. This really made it click in my head on what writing is. That jumbled mess of pieces on the table, like the jumbled mess of thoughts before you start to write. It is a perfect analogy. I agree with you, reading comments makes me nervous. I would rather not know, but for me stepping into as a writing coach and giving the feedback. This feels like a major push of getting out of my comfort zone with feedback. I like that you brought up less surface level feedback of "I love this part", but not making it extremely academic. It needs to be digestible, but also engaging for them to critical think about their work.
I loved One of is Lying, I am so glad someone else has read it. If you haven't already, you NEED to read A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
Hello Emily! First of all, I find your Lego analogy amazing! The differing paces of ease and redoing certain things can be fun, but also extremely stressful at times! Additionally, the balance between constructuve feedback as well as positive reinforcement is invaluabe to students. To give only positive reinforcement will only show students what is good and never show them what they need improvement on. With only the constructive comments on errors, students might feel bogged down by the "red marks" and only view their writing as wrong. It is a fine line that educators must walk, but in finding it they can then best serve their student's needs.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I really value your analogy in this post connecting the support of young writers to playing and building with Legos. There really are so many ways to build a Lego city. Some builders/writers may want and need the whole kit with items pre-packeged into bags and instruction manuals. Others will jump in and start building based on their favorite color for the week, creating towers, bridges, and mini figures based on what parts are available at this time. I will be chewing on this extended metaphor for quites some time. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHey Emily! I really like the way you build your argument around the LEGO metaphor because it makes the writing process feel tangible. The idea that students can have all the “pieces” but still struggle to connect them is a strong way to describe what novice writers often experience. It also helps explain why feedback is so important, since it is not just about fixing individual pieces but about helping students see how everything fits together.
ReplyDeleteYour section on feedback is especially thoughtful because you are honest about your own tendency to focus on positive comments. That kind of reflection actually strengthens your point, since it shows how easy it is to default to encouragement without always pushing for revision. I think you are right that constructive feedback can feel uncomfortable both for the giver and the receiver, but you also make a strong case that it is necessary for growth when it is specific and focused.
I also think your distinction between teachers, peers, and writing coaches is clear and effective. Teachers providing structure, peers offering a reader’s perspective, and coaches guiding reflection is a helpful breakdown. One thing you might consider adding is how those roles can overlap in practice. For example, peers can sometimes act like coaches if they ask good questions, and teachers can take on a peer-like role during conferences by responding as readers rather than evaluators.
Your connection to storytelling is strong, especially your point that narrative helps ideas feel more engaging and memorable. I also appreciate how you bring in your own reading preferences because it shows how personal connection shapes engagement with writing. At the same time, I think there is room to balance that with the idea that not all writing needs to function as escape or entertainment. Some writing is meant to challenge readers or help them sit with real-world complexity, even if it is less immediately enjoyable.
Overall, your post does a good job showing that novice writers need both support and challenge. The main tension you highlight, between encouragement and constructive critique, feels like the central issue, and you handle it in a balanced way.