Having finished my classes and assessments for the year, I am in the process of applying for jobs, which involves putting my professional portfolio together. As I select items for my portfolio I have been going over the various feedback I received throughout the year from university tutors, professional placement mentors, students and colleagues. Some of the feedback I read has me wishing that I could keep going with that group, or keep working with that person, then I find myself thinking 'What is it about that feedback that makes me want more?' because I want my future students to want to stay in my class, to want more feedback, to feel positive about what I have to say to them.
The first thing that I notice about the feedback I value is that it has some positive elements to it- the things I did well, or the things that are my strengths. Encouragement is important, and we are often not so good at recognising our own strengths. It must be genuine encouragement, though, backed up by the actions of the person giving the feedback. I value genuine encouragement that is consistent with how I have been treated in class, or in the group, or by the individual.
Secondly, I want more of the feedback that gives me something to grow with, that gives me something to think about and work on. Positive encouragement is good, but I want to grow too. Give me something valuable to work on. If you are taking time to give me feedback, and I am taking time to process the feedback, then make it something that helps me improve.
Finally, I want the chance to check back with you about how I am going on improving and implementing the advice you gave me, or I want to continue the discussion on the ideas you put in front of me. Last minute feedback without the opportunity to process it with you is frustrating. I want to share my growth with you, and I want to see how others are developing in that area too. Meaningful feedback links to people who are growing too, or are interested in the same concepts, ideas or topics.
So, as an idealistic graduate teacher what does this mean?
I already miss my robust professional group from Uni that challenged and encouraged me.
AND
I aspire to provide my students with timely feedback that includes at least one strength, one area to improve/grow and one connection/opportunity to engage with others/myself as they work on implementing/processing the feedback given or growing their knowledge in that area/topic.