With our first draft behind us, I was really thankful yesterday for the time carved out in the schedule to discuss our stories with our mentors.
Robin Phillips, Reynolds Center's Web Managing Editor,gave each of us feedback.
However, she did not offer general, ambiguous comments or suggestions. Her feedback was immediate and specific. As a writer, I became aware of over-used patterns and areas where I needed to offer more information to my reader. We discussed not only the flow and organization of the piece, but even touched on word choice and AP style.
I am reminded that when I work with my students there is no value in making the edits and returning the paper for corrections. Conversations need to be had. Feedback needs to be specific. And, it must be offered in a timely manner.
Thanks to Robin for giving of her time.
Jamie Ray
Vista Ridge High School
Cedar Park, Texas
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I live on feedback. One of my biggest criticisms of my administration is not getting adequate feedback for my performance or my student's publications.
ReplyDeleteI too appreciated our mentor Joe Garcia's feedback, as well as the feedback from our group.
Furthermore, I need to be better about my feedback to the students.
Ryan Ludwig
Spanish Springs H.S.
Sparks/Reno Nev.
One of the best ways I found to give feedback is using what something I was taught when I worked as community organizer training people to go door to door. We used a "praise sandwhich:
ReplyDelete1. Specific praise
2. Critique, specific explanation of what need fixing
3. More specific praise
Nate Thompson
Montezuma-Cortez High School
Cortez, Colo.