Relationships, relationships, relationships. Remember at Texas A&M, they crammed that word into our brains and hearts so much. And I’m so thankful for that. Because at the end of the day, we are in the people business and it’s all about RELATIONSHIPS.
Just like any relationship, it is absolutely insane to believe you can read people’s minds and know their opinions. So when it comes to the students in your classroom (just like any relationship), don’t assume what they think or feel - ask! I always give a Beginning of Year and End of Year Survey - and I’m thinking of giving a more formal Mid-Year Survey this coming year. The questions below are listed for each. I found mine after reading blogs and adapted them to my classroom - you can do the same! I know - middle schoolers and feedback - yikes! “They’re going to be overly critical. They’re going to be mean. They don’t know how to give constructive feedback.” Well, you’re right….if no one teaches them, they will never be able to learn how to give helpful feedback. So here’s what you say: “Today is a very important day! You get to help me out a ton. You have the opportunity to give me your opinion about me, my class and science this year. But there’s a very important rule: you must only give helpful things, not hurtful things. Helpful, not hurtful. That doesn’t mean that you have to lie, but it does mean that you can say critical things in a nice way. (insert example here).” Show your students. Teach them how to give helpful feedback. Let this be a teaching moment - after all they’ll need to know how to give and receive critical feedback in the real world. And if you don’t teach them, who will? I created these surveys on a Google Form and students can access them on chromebooks (iPads, phones, etc. would work too).
0 Comments
|
Mrs. VandeVanterChrist follower. Categories
All
Archives |