Sharing Lessons
Taking the time to reflect on our own educational practices, and to receive feedback from our colleagues, is what helps us constantly improve as educators.
A few volunteers will describe an activity or lesson that they wrote. After hearing the description, the other members of the group will have the opportunity to ask questions about the activity or lesson. After the questions are completed, the group can provide feedback about the lesson or activity using the structure outlined below.
Step 1
A group member describes a lesson or activity, addressing the following items:
Other group members ask clarifying questions so they have a complete understanding of the activity.
Step 3
Participants provide feedback, identifying two real strengths of the activity, using the following model statements:
I thought that "x" was effective because "y." For example:
The next member shares his or her activity, and the same feedback process is followed.
Step 5
After listening to the feedback, think about the following questions.
A few volunteers will describe an activity or lesson that they wrote. After hearing the description, the other members of the group will have the opportunity to ask questions about the activity or lesson. After the questions are completed, the group can provide feedback about the lesson or activity using the structure outlined below.
Step 1
A group member describes a lesson or activity, addressing the following items:
- Educational objectives
- Brief summary
- Assessment tool
- Criteria for assessment
- Classroom-management strategy
Other group members ask clarifying questions so they have a complete understanding of the activity.
Step 3
Participants provide feedback, identifying two real strengths of the activity, using the following model statements:
I thought that "x" was effective because "y." For example:
- "I thought that the student grouping was effective because each student had a particular role within the group so everyone was held accountable for doing work."
- "I also thought that this activity was very engaging because the task was very creative and related to students' interests. The student work also seems to show that students added a lot of creativity to the activity."
The next member shares his or her activity, and the same feedback process is followed.
Step 5
After listening to the feedback, think about the following questions.
- What would you identify as the greatest strength of your activity or resource? Why?
- If you were to use this activity or resource in the future, what is one possible way you might improve it?