Feedback - an important learning tool.


'A great teacher is someone who can learn from their students, who can learn with them, and learns for them' (Robert Meehan)

One of the bravest things to do is to ask your students to reflect on your teaching strengths and areas for improvement. For many, if not most, teaching is a vocation. It's a job of the heart. Therefore, asking for feedback puts that heart at risk, and opens you up to the possibility of an ego crushing moment.

During my first year as a high school teacher, I asked my year 7 science class to give feedback on my strengths, and on areas where I could improve as a teacher. Amongst the 'I like your hair' comments, there were some responses that made a significant impact on me.

'You need to be more organised.'

Such simple feedback, but it made me stop and think...they had a fair point...I was disorganised. From that day on I made an effort to improve my organisational skills, until they became my strength, appreciated by both my students and colleagues alike. In addition, as I learnt the skills of organisation, I could pass these skills on as a lived experience to the students.

Giving students the chance to feedback in a constructive way not only empowers them, but also allows a teacher to develop their skills from the eyes of the learner.

In the years mentoring trainee teachers, I have found that the end of the lesson is often the part most unplanned and left to chance. However, the end of the class is an amazing opportunity to get feedback on the student's perspective of their own learning, and how you can improve lessons for them.

1) What did you find helpful/enjoyable in this lesson?
2) What parts of the lesson were not so great?
3) What things can I do differently next time to help you?
4) Is there a subject/idea you would like to work on next time?

Here is some sample feedback from a lesson.

I hope this is helpful, and as always, please feel free to leave feedback...

Cheers,
Sarah

p.s. I like your hair too :)




July 23, 2020
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Sarah Treadwell

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Flag
English
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Australia
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17
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English
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French
A2
*Hi all, I am currently teaching full time in a school so have decided to take a short break from Verbling. Until that time, keep on practising and using all the wonderful resources that are available such as HelloTalk, Tandem, Clozemaster, Lyricstraining... Please feel free to contact me via chat if you would like to schedule lessons when I return. See you very soon Sarah --------------------------------------- About me - Originally from England, I have taught in Australian schools and universities for over 20 years. I have an in-depth knowledge of learning methodologies and am a mentor for trainee-teachers. I create a relaxed learning environment where you will feel comfortable and at ease. Individualised learning - Lessons are uniquely planned and designed with your goals in mind, focusing on subjects which are relevant to your life. I use flipped learning, giving you access to all lesson materials prior to your class. This allows you to study and make note of ideas and...
Flag
English
globe
Australia
time
17
Speaks:
English
Native
,
French
A2
*Hi all, I am currently teaching full time in a school so have decided to take a short break from Verbling. Until that time, keep on practising and using all the wonderful resources that are available such as HelloTalk, Tandem, Clozemaster, Lyricstraining... Please feel free to contact me via chat if you would like to schedule lessons when I return. See you very soon Sarah --------------------------------------- About me - Originally from England, I have taught in Australian schools and universities for over 20 years. I have an in-depth knowledge of learning methodologies and am a mentor for trainee-teachers. I create a relaxed learning environment where you will feel comfortable and at ease. Individualised learning - Lessons are uniquely planned and designed with your goals in mind, focusing on subjects which are relevant to your life. I use flipped learning, giving you access to all lesson materials prior to your class. This allows you to study and make note of ideas and...
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