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Giving feedback

4 replies

FieryChipotle · 21/01/2014 06:20

I've got to give a friend observation feedback today for a RI lesson. Any tips on remaining professional? I'm dreading it...

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JonSnowKnowsNothing · 22/01/2014 12:20

First question - how do you think that went? From his/her answer I think you'll understand a fair bit about what kind of grasp they've got on their class.
Questioning is how I tend to get through feedback (why did you decide to.. Tell me about X group there...) before concluding with my judgement and some solid targets as to what would take it to the next level.

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EvilTwins · 22/01/2014 17:48

We've been told never to start with "how did you think it went?" Partly because it's actually irrelevant - you're not going to change the judgement, and partly because it can make it worse if they thought it was good then you tell them it was RI. So, our process is - start by telling them the judgement, then go through the ways it would need to change to make it a good. Keep it short - 5 mins or so, then allow time for discussion at the end. It's hard, but easier if you stick to a formulaic approach.

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JonSnowKnowsNothing · 22/01/2014 22:45

I agree with this, Evil, but I do think you can get an awful lot from the "how do you think it went" question. If you saw several areas of concern but the teacher insisted it was great, you've got a problem.

Similarly, if you get someone who says "it wasn't as successful as I'd hoped, due to XYZ" then you know that even though they haven't had the best lesson, they're reflecting and will try something different next time.

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FieryChipotle · 23/01/2014 07:49

Well I didn't need to ask how she thought it went because she started with 'well that was a good lesson, wasn't it?' To which I had to reply 'well actually, there were a few issues...'

I'm not normally worried about giving feedback, but I knew she was a) very proud of the lesson and b) a friend. I'm not her line manager so wouldn't ordinarily be observing her, hence the awkwardness.

Thanks for the advice though. I agree the 'how do you think it went?' Can be irrelevant when grading a lesson... If I get asked I normally say 'fine!'