During the July school holidays, I’ve taken the opportunity to catch up on a whole lot of admin for the coming term.  I’ve also given myself time to reflect on my own professional practice.  With that in mind, I’ve reviewed tracking docs that I have with those teachers that I’m working with and added a few prompts for them to consider in terms of their goals, what’s worked and what hasn’t gone so well.

I’m also applying for Google Trainer Certification and in the process, came across this article by Grant Wiggins, Seven Keys to Effective Feedback  (2012).  Wiggins, highlights one of the key elements to good feedback is to leverage off a defined goal.  It’s a dominate theme I like to apply in my coaching practice.  The ubiquitous nature of online learning and the plethora of approaches available to teachers invites us, tempts us even to want to try them all.  Personally, I can easily get drawn into a rabbit hole of ideas and options, but keeping my eye on the goal helps me and the teachers I’m working with stay focused to achieve our objectives.

Wiggins, also advocated for feedback to be given in a timely manner.  I’d do this each time I meet with a teacher, a quick debrief at the end of a lesson, followed by an email before the next session.  When time allows, meeting during a non-contact period allows us to have a conversation in detail about what’s worked well and next steps.  This ongoing and consistent manner, reflecting on identified goals should lead to a satisfying outcome for all involved.  A win, win situation.