A tutor with a positive,
constructive attitude towards you and your academic career can be of tremendous
influence with respect to your motivation. Proactive criticism from a tutor is
not usually problematic, as it demonstrates the right intention and attitude
from a tutor, but when criticism is consistently negative and destructive, it
can be difficult for you to deal with.
Understanding the role of a
tutor may prove beneficial with respect to your understanding of his or her
criticism, as well as how you deal with it.
What is a tutor?
Dictionary.com defines the word tutor as “a person employed to instruct
another in some branch or branches of learning, especially a private
instructor”, “a teacher of academic rank lower than instructor” or “a teacher
without institutional connection who assists students in preparing for
examinations”.
Academic standing, knowledge
and counseling ability are factors in the selection of tutors. Consider the following ways to
deal with criticism from your tutor.
Always be open to criticism:
By being open to criticism, you
demonstrate that you are teachable. In other words, you have an open mind, not
one that is blocked. This does not necessarily mean that you always have to act
on every criticism from a tutor, but generally, it is a good idea to consider it.
Evaluate the criticism:
When you evaluate the criticism
that you receive from a tutor, you may see it in a positive or negative light, based upon how you think. How do you understand the criticism that you have
received? There may be similar criticisms of your work in the past, present or
future. Do you really understand the
criticism you have received and why you have received it? Your perception of
the criticism may be accurate or inaccurate. At times, it may be a good idea to
ask your tutor to clarify or explain it further.
Do additional research:
If you do additional research,
you will gain a better understanding of the criticism by your tutor. Remember
that he or she is there to assist you, not to put you down personally. Your
tutor’s criticism should help you, not stifle your efforts. If anything, the
criticisms by your tutor should encourage you.
Consult your professor, teacher
or instructor:
When your tutor appears to be
hypercritical, it may be advisable to seek advice from someone else on a higher
academic level, rather than from your peers. Your professor, teacher or
instructor will be able to intervene on your behalf and thus, help you to develop a
better academic relationship with your tutor.
Expand your horizons:
Try to expand your horizons
continually, as there is no cap on knowledge. Academically, you may be
exceeding the knowledge base of your tutor, but you may also be heading in a
direction that is not appropriate for your career choice.
Always treat your tutor with
respect regardless of his or her criticism and respond in a positive,
constructive manner to suggested transitions. Do not fear or rebel against
criticism; instead accept it for what it is. In time, if you maintain the right
attitude, you may become a tutor too.
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