“Our minds have many
cunning strategies for shunning feedback – but there are ways to avoid these
traps, say psychologists Robert Nash and Naomi Winstone”
Level of Difficulty: **
BEFORE YOU READ
QUESTIONS
1.
What is the irony in our attitude to success?
Although ….(Tweak the text)
2.
There is no doubt that we could benefit from
feedback but nevertheless we consider it………………………..
3.
The above attitude and our resulting reaction is
basically foolish because ….
4.
Which of the examples below is an example of a
“fingers in ears” reaction?
·
A terminally ill cancer patient not visiting or
consulting the doctor
·
A patient who is scared of surgery not going to
the doctor for a hip replacement
5.
What was the result of the “TAA Deficiency”
experiment?
6.
What is the take home point from this
experiment?
7.
A professional actor is attending a theater
course. During an exercise, he is outperformed by an amateur. How does he
preserve his positive self image? By saying
·
I should have done better
·
I could have done better
·
I must do better next time
·
I have more professional contacts
·
I need to have more professional contacts
8.
Discrediting the feedback provider enables the
subject to
·
Restrain himself
·
Comfort himself
·
Improve himself
·
Tempt himself
9.
What conclusion can we draw from the example of
the female teacher?
10.
We understand from all we have read so far that
people who are more accepting of criticism are those with…
11.
We understand from the study involving
historical events that there is a positive correlation between being receptive
to feedback and …(Two answers, find both)
12.
Which of the following phrases could be added to
the beginning of the introduction:
·
As a result
·
In conclusion
·
To sum up
WRITING TASK
WHY EVEN THE BEST
FEEDBACK CAN BRING OUT THE WORST IN US KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES
Giving and receiving
feedback is very important in achieving success. This text analyzes the reasons
why most people are so touchy and have problems receiving feedback. The
questions provide a gentle introduction
to serious inferential questions.
1.
Although we want to achieve success , we would
rather not hear worm words of wisdom, constructive criticism or 360 degree
feedback
2.
A threat to our self esteem and positive sense
of identity
3.
It shines an unflattering spotlight on our
insecurities, character flaws and unpleasant attitudes
4.
The second
5.
52% of
those who were told they would have to take a pill for two weeks agreed to
provide a diagnostic cheek swab but only 21% of those who were told they would
have to take the pills for the rest of their lives did.
6.
People are resistant to hearing feedback when
they believe it could oblige them to do something difficult or unpleasant
7.
I have more professional contacts
8.
Comfort himself
9.
The way we blame feedback givers can sometimes
uncover our most unpalatable prejudices
10.
High self esteem
11.
Investment of resources in receiving it OR the feedback being wanted
12.
To sum up; the conclusion is a summary
