Reflective Teaching - 30 Day Challenge Day 14

After yesterday's debacle, which spilled over in to today (see post
here ), I am feeling less than motivated to write another post. But...I hate being behind. A lot. So I am going to get 'er done, as Larry the Cable Guy would say (perhaps the fact that I am quoting Larry the Cable Guy gives you a little bit of insight in to my mental state right now. Yikes.).

So (deep breath), here goes. Feedback for learning is any feedback a student gets that encourages them to learn something new. This might come from a teacher, a peer, a parent, the environment or even themselves. It is any feedback that allows the student to sit back and say "Huh. Maybe I should try this." or "Ahhhh...got it." or " So what you're saying is....". Without feedback for learning, students miss the point. They believe the answer is the point, when really the learning is the point.

How well do I give it to students? Honestly? Sometimes I'm better at it than others. Sometimes I guide them well and they have that moment of clarity, where the synapses connect and their brain grows. Other times, they just look more confused than when they started and not in the "I'm on my way to understanding" kind of way. More in the "I have no idea what you're talking about" way. So, I would say this is a work in progress. I'm certainly not a feedback of learning kind of girl, I just haven't perfected my feedback for learning style. So, sometimes, I get the blank stare and then I know I need to try again. And again. And again. Until the light goes on and the fog lifts and my students start talking excitedly all at once. Now we're getting somewhere!