Giving feedback on activities

Summary

In this video, Joa Cona from El, Training.com shares practical tips for providing feedback on various classroom activities, such as reading, listening, and grammar exercises. Emphasizing peer-checking, the video explains how this strategy boosts learner confidence and encourages speaking practice. Joa also discusses how to effectively engage all students during feedback, ensuring that even the less confident learners participate. Key points include managing wait time for answers, using answer keys for peer-based feedback, and selectively focusing on problematic questions. The video aims to improve classroom feedback practices and promote a more learner-centered approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 Peer checking boosts students' confidence by allowing them to compare answers before class feedback.
• 😀 Make sure to nominate different students when asking questions, ensuring participation from all levels of learners.
• 😀 Avoid 'flying with the fastest' by assuming everyone has understood just because a few students answered correctly.
• 😀 Vary your positioning in the classroom to ensure you're engaging with all students, not just those closest to you.
• 😀 Allow wait time after asking a question to give students time to process and formulate their response.
• 😀 Use answer keys for students to check answers in pairs, promoting peer discussion and understanding.
• 😀 Focus your feedback on questions that students struggled with, rather than reviewing everything.
• 😀 Use a mix of question types to support differentiated learning, ensuring weaker students get easier questions.
• 😀 Be aware of your tendencies when asking questions—teachers often unintentionally favor certain students or areas of the classroom.
• 😀 Create a comfortable atmosphere by consciously providing an equal opportunity for all students to contribute during feedback sessions.

Q & A

Why does the presenter mention they are showing their face in this video?

The presenter mentions showing their face for the first time to gauge feedback from viewers on whether it makes the video more engaging or distracting.

What is the main focus of this video?

The main focus of the video is giving feedback on various classroom activities, including reading, listening, grammar, and vocabulary exercises, and the strategies for providing effective feedback.

What is peer checking and why is it recommended?

Peer checking involves having students check their answers with a classmate before class feedback is given. It is recommended because it boosts students' confidence, fosters speaking practice, and creates a more engaged classroom atmosphere.

How can teachers ensure that all students are involved in the feedback process?

Teachers can ensure all students are involved by nominating specific students to answer questions, differentiating questions for different ability levels, and being mindful of their own tendencies in asking questions to ensure equal participation.

What is meant by 'flying with the fastest' in a classroom setting?

'Flying with the fastest' refers to a situation where teachers move on with class discussions after the most confident or able students answer, assuming everyone else understands. This can leave less confident students behind.

Why is it important to be aware of where you stand in the classroom?

It is important because teachers may unintentionally favor certain areas or groups of students, such as those sitting in front or to one side of the classroom. Being aware of this helps ensure fair and balanced participation from all students.

What is 'wait time' and why is it important in a classroom?

Wait time is the brief pause a teacher gives after asking a question, allowing students time to process the information and formulate a response. It is crucial because students, especially language learners, need time to recall and produce the correct answers.

How can peer checking help with wait time?

Peer checking can assist with wait time by allowing students to process and discuss their answers with a partner, which gives them additional time to think before responding publicly.

What is one alternative way to give feedback without teacher-led correction?

One alternative is to provide an answer key for students to check their answers in pairs. This method encourages learner-centered feedback and promotes discussion of why certain answers are correct.

When should a teacher focus on specific feedback during an activity?

A teacher should focus on specific feedback when they notice that some students are struggling with particular questions, even though others may have answered correctly. This targeted feedback helps address the areas where students need more support.