In chapter 16 Boice talks about "Encouraging Criticism, The Earlier the Better". This idea really overwhelms me, in part because I am a very slow brainstormer/worker. I spend ages making lists, tables, spreadsheets, freewriting, just to get my thoughts/ideas for a project in order. The thought of allowing someone to give me feedback during this heavy drafting stage is terrifying to me. I'm not sure if it is because I am afraid that people won't understand what I am trying to say because my work is so drafty, or if I am afraid that they will think I'm 'not smart' or 'a mess' if they see my work in its earliest drafting stages. And, I have to wonder, if I should be putting my work out there if I am not even really sure what it is yet, only because people tend to give you advice/criticism based on how THEY would complete the project/task and how it would work for THEM and THEIR RESEARCH. If it is a young idea, can asking for criticism early on derail the project from what would make it interesting to you?
I am really all for receiving criticism once I feel like I have something to say. Is it wise to ask for feedback on a brainstorm? Can this help our work find direction, or will it take it in a direction that isn't "us"?
I love the questions at the end of your post, Megan, because I struggle with these questions often. I tend to be the kind of person who wants to talk out my ideas as they're forming. However, when I do this, I find that I get lead in certain directions by other people. And, since my ideas aren't solidified yet, sometimes I end up taking a new direction only to realize a few weeks into a project that this wasn't the direction I wanted to go.
ReplyDeleteFor example, when I was revising my master's thesis, in the early stages I consulted my advisor a lot. However, the things she said didn't always click with me, so I felt a bit restricted and like I had to please her instead of do my project. Fortunately, the summer between my first and second year of my masters, she went to Europe for 2 months and refused to answer emails. So, I had to get creative and work on my own. When she got back, I gave her a draft, and it was completely different than when she left. I could tell she was pissed, but at the same time, I could also tell that she was really pleased with the research and argument.
For me, this was one of my most significant learning moments because I realized that my creative impulses could result in good writing that contributed to a conversation. This wouldn't have happened if I had followed the rule of "consult others often and early," which I think Boice advocates.
At the same time, I find it helpful, especially with syllabus writing, to consult others in informal conversations to bounce around ideas. This is easier with colleagues, I think, than with professors, because I don't get swayed as much but I'm willing to listen to the discussion.
Maybe the nice balance is to consult others often but be choosy about who you consult with? Talk to someone who will ask you good questions instead of being too directive? Find someone who will do for you what we do for our students: Be a sounding board who can help you think about the issue in a deeper way and find your own path. Maybe that'll help.