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Teaching Tip Category: Classroom Management

Constructive Criticism

There are times when students should be criticized for poor work or misbehavior. But your criticism should be constructive. Constructive criticism can turn a negative occurrence into a motivational tool.

Here are some suggestions for making your criticism constructive.

• Show the student how the negative occurrence could have been avoided.
• Allow the student a chance to present his or her side.
• Have the student suggest a remedy.
• Insist that the student make a commitment to change.

When criticizing the student, try to do so in private rather than in front of the entire class. Provide the criticism in a calm manner. Allow yourself to cool off first if you are angry or insulted.

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