1.) How does using protocols like “critical friends” help teachers become more reflective of their
teaching practices? As one of the teachers in the video mentioned, "critical friends" is exciting, because it allows us to get ideas that we might not have thought of, rather than being defensive. As we've invited questions and suggestions from each other this week, it's been GREAT! We're all supportive and excited about each other's work, but it is so helpful to have extra eyes to look at it...and extra minds to help brainstorm!
2.) What conditions are required for teachers to make use of this protocol? Just like in our classrooms, the community needs to be established as one that is supportive and respectful. It's not necessarily something you can just jump right in to.
3.) How could this protocol be used with students? This can be done with students of any age, on group or individual projects. Once it's clear to everyone that it's not a time of criticizing, but that we're all going to work together to make everyone's work the best that it can be, it can be a really positive experience for everyone involved. I have looked forward to our gallery walks and critical friends protocols this week, because I'm excited to share what I've done so far, and I know that someone is going to suggest something that will help me to make it even better.
4.) Identify two specific protocols you will embed in your PBL unit. Consider protocols for teacher-
student or student-teacher feedback as well as student-student feedback. I definitely want to use the gallery walk, because I think that is a great way to share and get positive, constructive feedback on their work. It will also help us to focus on the fact that our final product is a collaborative project--it belongs to all of us, and we want to work together on all of it. I'm still working on which other protocols I will use and when, but I can definitely see using critical friends as we are working on our photo essays.
You're so right about establishing the community to create a helpful and supportive environment. We have so much to learn from each other as long as we are open to receiving that information. It also benefits the culture of the classroom to create a community early on.
ReplyDeleteI really like your statement about how the final product is a collaborative project and it belongs to all of us. So true.
I agree with you that the "critical friends" protocol is about helping someone improve their work or project. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own work that we cannot see how to improve it. This protocol helps us to consider a different perspective based on other people's comments, questions or views.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the experience of our group this week has been extremely beneficial and the feedback given and received has supported our individual and collective growth. I appreciate you taking time and thought to consider how these protocols benefit teachers and students and I am glad that you are going to use the gallery walk protocol early on in your pbl experience for your students to really seek out feedback and input through the sharing of their first drafts.
Thanks,
Dawn