Because much of what I teach is ostensibly technique based; it is important to help students develop soft skills and help them determine how to self assess themselves. Since my courses deal with art and design , it is important to remind students that I am looking at how they explain, or defend their concepts as well as how well they perform the techniques they must master. In most cases the ability to constructively discuss other work helps them to develop a methodology to criticize their own work. Often if I am unfamiliar with a cohort of students I use existing (professional) work to develop a critical discussion, skills we then develop fully in classroom critique sessions. During final project presentations, students are required to present foundations for their ideas and offer constructive and relevant criticism based on grading rubrics locking soft and technical skills together.