September Bennett-Cook - Day 4

Using protocols like critical friends help teachers become more reflective because it allows us to get feedback from our peers who may offer a different prospective based on their experiences. At the end of the day, we should be asking ourselves the same questions we ask our students: What went well? What needs some work? How can I improve? There is no one way to teach a lesson. My peers may look at a plan and execute it in a completely different way than I would. It’s those “Hmm, I didn’t think of that” moments that improve our viewpoint as educators.

Having a fairly diverse group of educators is helpful. Diving in to a “critical friends” session with administrators and teachers of various grade levels and subject areas offer fresh eyes to improve the clarity and quality of our work.

With Roots to Leaves, I plan to use the 3 Step Interview (with teacher guided questions) as well as Critical Friends. One will be with a partner, the other with small group (5 students), both for student-student feedback. For student-teacher feedback, I will utilize writing conferences as well as a staggered weekly checkpoint on Padlet. This will allow students to vent their concerns as well as shout out their successes. I will watch their checkpoint videos and provide individual assistance on the following school day.