Should teachers give harsh feedback to prepare students for the real world or soften it to encourage them?
I think both are useful in different moments of formation. At the same time, awareness should be strengthened for them to value feedback as an opportunity to improve even when through malicious comments.
Research shows students value feedback when it comes after application of rubrics (Preprint Use of assessment rubrics: Do the students care about them? ...
) or just through comments on their job (Article Percepción estudiantil de la importancia de la retroalimentación
)
Life is complicated enough, so there's no use being soft; harsh feedback will work better. Otherwise, they can underestimate the importance of the concept..
César Rafael Narváez Carrión That’s a thoughtful perspective—I agree that timing and tone matter. Harsh feedback isn’t inherently harmful, but without context or support, it can demotivate rather than prepare. Helping students see feedback—even tough feedback—as a growth tool is crucial. And yes, aligning it with rubrics or actionable comments makes it far more meaningful and constructive.
Nazime Tuncay That’s a valid point—clarity and honesty are essential. Feedback can be firm and constructive, helping students grow without discouraging them. The goal is to challenge them while still keeping the door open for learning and confidence-building.
In real life not all situation are favorable, there is need for harsh feedback from teachers this will prepare students for future challenges
Ezekiel Ime Akwa Agreed—constructive but firm feedback, even when it feels harsh, can build resilience and prepare students for the realities of life beyond the classroom. It's about growth, not comfort.
Xiaoyi Zhang
Absolutely agree—striking that balance between honesty and encouragement is essential. Constructive feedback, when delivered respectfully, not only guides students toward growth but also fosters long-term resilience and confidence. I appreciate your perspective as a fellow educator and researcher. As I’m also engaged in academic work, I’d be glad to explore potential collaborations on journal projects or research initiatives. Let’s definitely connect further to discuss how we might contribute meaningfully to the field together.
The real world is dynamic, the result of the real world is not embedded in harsh or soft feedback back. I suggest that both harsh and soft feedback sould be used to prepare the students of real life situations
Ezekiel Ime Akwa
That’s a thoughtful point. I agree that since the real world presents both supportive and critical feedback, students benefit from experiencing a balance—soft feedback to build confidence and harsh feedback to build resilience.
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