Feedback to Pedagogical Change: Focus Student to Teacher

We know that, as educators, implicit biases show up in the ways we teach. We also know that the best feedback we can get is from observing and reflecting on practice with a critical lens and, more importantly, asking our dreamers for feedback. (Note that I am using the term Achiever instead of Scholar to honor the funds of knowledge and expertise each student already has.) In this post I want to synthesize what I am learning about the “Focus Student” process. Engaging in a Cycle of Inquiry around a focus student can increase a sense of belonging, which leads to an increase in learning and a change in teacher practice adapted to the achievers with whom we engage.

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Feedback from Students: Cogenerative Dialogues

The past five posts have focused on effective feedback to and from colleagues. Today’s post will focus on the critical importance of gathering feedback from our students, specifically on the process of Cogenerative Dialogues (Cogens). Students are the experts on their experience, and on what works best for their learning processes. Teacher planning and revising should begin with listening to the voice, experiences, and interests of our students, especially the students who have been formerly marginalized. As we center their voices, a sense of belonging strengthens; students feel safe, seen, heard, and loved.

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