Getting a Second Opinion
Using a pair of satellites as sensors, a global positioning system (GPS) is able to “triangulate” the location of a navigation device. Each satellite perceives the device at a particular angle, and by plotting where those angles intersect, the GPS locates it.
In a similar way, a second opinion on your project can locate its strengths and any remaining weaknesses by looking at the work from a different angle or perspective.
Your Role
Ultimately, you are the person responsible for the project. You are the one with the best overall view of what it is intended to accomplish. The reviewer’s response is intended only to help make a good thing better by pointing out parts that could be improved. To get the most out of that second opinion, use the following tips:
- Introduce the project: Explain briefly what you have created.
- Outline your goal and objectives: Give the reviewer a rubric sheet with the first column filled in. Make any necessary comments about the goal and objectives you have listed.
- Focus the feedback: Explain to the reviewer the kind of feedback you are hoping for. Depending on the type of project and where you are in the inquiry process, this may vary. For example, you may ask the person to focus on overall organization, on details that seem to be missing, on ideas for fine-tuning the end product, and so on.
- Present your project: Let your reviewer interact with your project, whether that means reading it, viewing it, listening to it, or using it.
- Give the reviewer space: Let the person fill out the evaluation sheet in private. When he or she is finished, discuss the evaluation together to make certain you understand the comments.
- Thank your reviewer: Critiquing another person’s work requires effort. Be certain to let your reviewer know that the effort is appreciated.
- Take time to read and consider the response: Receiving a critique can be difficult. Give yourself time to get past any initial defensiveness. Also, a reviewer’s comments may open your eyes to a deeper problem or a larger solution for your work.
- Consider getting more opinions: Some projects can benefit from several reviews, either by individuals or in a group.
Your Turn Present your project to one or more reviewers, giving each a rubric sheet that outlines your goal and objectives. Follow the tips above as you ask your reviewer(s) for help to improve the project.
The Reviewer’s Role
A reviewer brings a new perspective to a project and is able to point out issues that the project creator cannot see. In this way, a good reviewer can help the creator recognize both strengths and weaknesses in the project so that the former can be accented and the latter eliminated. A poor reviewer, on the other hand, may offer no encouragement or helpful insights. To be a good reviewer, follow these tips:
- Connect with the project creator: Start with respect. Make sure the project creator knows you believe in her or him. Then focus attention away from personalities and onto the project itself.
- Consider the goal and objectives: Read the goal and objectives and restate them to the project creator. Understanding these foundational elements is key to giving an effective response to a project.
- Focus first on the positive: Show the project creator that you can see the effort that has gone into the project thus far and recognize the aspects that are working well.
- State the negative in positive terms: When you deal with a weak point, compare it to the stronger elements of the project. Show that improving the weak area will bring it to the same level as the rest of the work. Focus on positive outcomes.
- Suggest options: Follow any problem statements with one or more possible solutions. This can encourage the creator to remain positive as he or she begins to consider ways to improve the work.
- Step back: Once you have given your opinions and suggestions, step back. The creator must take responsibility for the project and go about fixing problems in his or her own way. You can help by respecting that fact.
Your Turn Help another person with his or her project by acting as a good reviewer. Follow the tips above as you learn about the project, review its goal and objectives, and carefully consider the work.