So I was watching Dancing with the Stars the other night (yes, go ahead with the mocking, I'll wait), and an important teaching point was raised. Calvin Johnson, former NFL wide receiver and future Hall-of-Famer, had just finished his routine, and backstage Erin Andrews started to ask him a question. She said, "A show like this is almost unfair for someone like you because you take criticism so well..." and then asked about how he stays focused to learn the new dances. Erin is right. The ability to take criticism gives you a life advantage.
So many students today, especially those in skill-based classes like writing, get upset when receiving criticism. They think a paper with red marks is some sort of personal affront, rather than advice on how to improve. Because of Johnson's career in athletics, his whole life has required hearing criticism from coaches--he knows how to take it, so he has an advantage over those contestants that have never been pushed to their limit in learning something new.
I've always enjoyed having athletes in my classes because, though sometimes their academic skills are hit or miss, I've never once had a problem with an athlete fighting me about how he/she did on a paper. They tend to be tougher because that's what it takes to be an athlete. (The same holds true for those students I've had that have served in the military. They never complain, and I love them for it.)
If you want to get ahead in life, be ready for criticism. You are going to screw up sometimes, and you will always have to acquire new skills to adapt to the world. If you can't take it when someone corrects you or pushes you to become better, you are going to fall behind those people who can. Athletes have already developed thick skin, and others like them will have a distinct advantage over you if you don't toughen up too. So put on your dancin' shoes, and embrace criticism. That's the only way to get better.
So many students today, especially those in skill-based classes like writing, get upset when receiving criticism. They think a paper with red marks is some sort of personal affront, rather than advice on how to improve. Because of Johnson's career in athletics, his whole life has required hearing criticism from coaches--he knows how to take it, so he has an advantage over those contestants that have never been pushed to their limit in learning something new.
I've always enjoyed having athletes in my classes because, though sometimes their academic skills are hit or miss, I've never once had a problem with an athlete fighting me about how he/she did on a paper. They tend to be tougher because that's what it takes to be an athlete. (The same holds true for those students I've had that have served in the military. They never complain, and I love them for it.)
If you want to get ahead in life, be ready for criticism. You are going to screw up sometimes, and you will always have to acquire new skills to adapt to the world. If you can't take it when someone corrects you or pushes you to become better, you are going to fall behind those people who can. Athletes have already developed thick skin, and others like them will have a distinct advantage over you if you don't toughen up too. So put on your dancin' shoes, and embrace criticism. That's the only way to get better.