Help teaching critique

[jtdums]

If anyone is interested, I would love some feedback on a critiquing form that I am putting together for my students.
I was inspired by an old article in the American Association of Woodturners where the author designed a standardized form for critiquing woodturnings.

My hope is to create a "flatwork" version of the same idea. I use a separate form to assess (i.e. grade) the kids. This form is to provide them the opportunity to critically examine their own, and potentially others work, so they can learn from problem areas and hopefully correct them going forward.

I would love suggestions for other items to include or the reworking/ rewording of what is there.
Please be critical and help me improve this form for the benefit of the kids.
Thanks all.
-Jim
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BygHasrXuQAdZjNiMjdlNzYtMGVmYS00ODQ4LWJhOTktMmZkMGQxZWM2YjM1

 

[CDPeters]

Hey Jim -

Good start on the form. Since kids seem to respond better to positive feedback, I think I would favor a columnar format with the following columns: category (or feature) description, check box for "well done", check box for "needs improvement" then a space to write a comment. Keep the comments positive, remarking on "well dones", as well as making specific suggestions for the "needs improvements".

Hope that helps...
C.

 

[merrill77]

I'd turn those all around into positives.

For example:

• Purpose of the piece unclear --> Purpose of the piece is clearl
• Assembly issues (joints don't fit...) --> Joinery sturdy, legs level, corners square, ...

And I agree with Mr Peters - I'd allow for more constructive feedback beyond just checkboxes as well as general comments (I say this not understanding the context in which it will be used...so take it in spirit).

 

[DaveD]

Well to me the critique questions/feedback has little to do with being a woodworker and a LOT more to do with the aspects of designing something correctly from an aesthetics/period correct point of view.

I like to consider myself an experienced woodworker but I couldn't design my way out of a paper bag if the bag was open on both ends.:wconfused:. I would fail miserably using your feedback critique and I've been at this hobby for 45+ years.

 

[ScottM]

Here is my nickles worth. Some comments will repeat what was already stated.

There should be a comment under each section (Design, Material, Hardware, etc). Check boxes are too cold. Defects should be clearly stated.

Each section should include how to improve.

Avoid statements like "piece does not follow generally accepted rules". Breaking rules can create some wonderful new styles. Maybe a statement like "piece does not follow the project assignment criteria."

I would combine design and style.

Add good/positive elements to the critique.

 

[jtdums]

This is good stuff!

I have taken some of the comments and tried a revision of the form. I have combined design and style and restated woodworking objectives in positive terms. (I was trying to adhere to the old AAW style and certainly there is no need to focus on the negative like that.)

Also, for the sake of clarity, I am trying to work in the option of more flexibility by having more checkboxes that allow for a spectrum for each criteria. (Still working on their formatting.)

As far as the emphasis on design, our curriculum is structured around the "wood arts" and not what many of us may have taken when we were in school as industrial arts. We are less about following a plan and more about design and build to meet a perceived need. Less pure woodworking and substitute some problem solving. (hopefully)

Please take a look at the revision and see if this perhaps goes in a better direction.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BygHasrXuQAdOWE3NDlmMTYtNzE4OC00ZjZiLWE4MWUtMGZiNzI1ZDE5NDcz

Please continue with the feedback so I can improve and bring a better final product to the kids.
(I would love specific suggestions for the line items as to what constitutes a well constructed project. I.e. what do you admire in "great" work and what should we all aspire to do with our projects.)
Thanks again.
-Jim

 

[Pop Golden]

Looks great.

You might want to drop the "evaluator" line. Southern gentlemen have fought duels for less.

:qleft7::qright5:

Bill "Pop" Golden