FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS
I am a strong believer in feedback. If we don’t check in with our students to see where they are in their understanding and emotional well-being, we are missing out on building stronger relationships and a trusting environment. And, I would l argue that the more you offer feedback, the greater the engagement in the classroom. Our first initial feedback can be something simple during the first week of school. On the first day, I lay the foundation that I want to get to know my students and hear their thoughts, opinions, and feedback. I give all my students a hard copy of a survey that asks anything from “What is your favorite movie?” to “Do you have access to a computer at home?”. We discover what is their learning style(s) and favorite genre of books. I use this initial feedback to build my classroom library and develop lesson plans that are personalized to my students’ needs and wants.
As the school year progresses, I take time to do a quick survey to see how my students are feeling about their learning. I typically use Microsoft Forms or Mentimeter. These are user friendly platforms that allow students to give their feedback via a survey or poll. For example, my students do a major research project in the Spring. Once they become experts on their topic, they must write a persuasive paper about why we (humanity, the world) should care about it. There tends to be a lot of anxiety with the research and writing process. So, I like to check in on a weekly basis via a student reflection based on where they are in the process. I ask questions in a survey that gives me a sense of their comfort level with what they are doing. If a student seems to be struggling in say MLA citations, I follow up with them that week with resources and models.
MICROSOFT FORMS
Microsoft has an application called Forms that allows the user to create a survey or quiz. For the feedback that I am discussing today, I would use the survey form. You can create as many questions as you would like; however, I find that is best to keep the survey short and concise. Here are the types of questions:
Choice: This is multiple choice and allows you to provide a selection of answers.
I want to work with a small group of peers on:
- MLA Citations
- Peer Editing Essay
- Creating a Presentation
- Incorporating Quotes in an Essay
Text: This is an open-ended question.
Tell me how I can help you this week with your paper?
Rating: A simple rating system because students just give a star or number to rate their experience, status, or feelings.
At this time, I am on track with my paper. (1 Star = Not Likely, 3 = Possibly to 5 = Definitely
Date: The participate selects a date. This can be the date of when they are filling out the form to when they will meet a deadline. They will select the date from a calendar provided in Forms.
I would like to present my idea on …
If you would like to see what a survey looks like in Forms, please see my video about using Microsoft Forms for teacher feedback. The great thing about Forms is that whether it is a quiz or form, you can see each participant’s answer. And, you can create graphs and Excel spreadsheets with the responses. You must have a Microsoft 365 license to use Forms (which most schools do), but keep in mind that Mentimeter is free for anyone to use.
MENTIMETER
Mentimeter is like Microsoft Forms. I would argue that Mentimeter provides more ways to survey or poll your audience. Plus, it is free to anyone. Here are the types of presentations:
Multiple Choice: Create options for your audience to choose from which can be displayed in various layouts like bars, donut, pie, or dots.
Image Choice: Provide options for your audience to choose from using images.
Word Cloud: Participants create a collage of words and phrases that represents a keyword of metadata.
Scales: Respond to statements by sliding a scale towards strongly disagree to strongly agree.
Open Ended: This is a great one to use for a little longer of a response. I find that this is a great digital version of a post-it note activity.
Q & A: I love this one when I am doing a professional development or whole group discussion. You can project this platform behind you so that your audience/students can ask you questions along the way.
Ranking: Participants can rank any items or topics. I can see this as a great way to incorporate engagement in the classroom: rank the order of historical events, rank your favorite book, rank the standards, rank the best presentation, etc.…
Let’s try it out. Go to Menti.com and enter code 24 88 22 to let me know how you are now feeling about using feedback platforms in your classroom and/or school.
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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