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Showing posts from May, 2026

Inquiry Wrap-Up: Focusing on Feedback

  Feedback is one of the most important processes in a classroom. Without receiving it, students will not be able to identify their progress, to see the strengths they’ve developed and the areas they may need more help with. Feedback gives us a chance to add more meaning and purpose to students’ education. It lets them feel seen. Giving feedback is also a valuable skill and process for us educators. It forces us to be extra thoughtful toward each assignment turned in, and gives us a chance to connect with each student, whether it be instantaneous, responsive feedback during a lesson, or longer, more substantial feedback on assignments.  We’ve all been taught the importance of good feedback in our classrooms. But what that “good” feedback looks like is much harder to pin down than a checklist of things to include on a rubric, or even in your formal written feedback returned to a student. You can give objectively correct, fantastic feedback that is beautifully written and clea...

"We're Bored": A Narrative Reflection

“We’re Bored!” It’s 8:17 in the morning. Rain crashes against the giant windows that span the length of our classroom’s back wall. Class has barely started, and I try desperately to suppress my own stifled yawns behind my steaming coffee cup as I let you all close your choice books and get out your notes. Your participation lately has been … reluctant. We’re all exhausted, but I am eager to get class started. Today’s lesson should be engaging, if not fun, for all. I have a bit of hope that today’s review of the trolley problem, with a plot-relevant twist, will spur some excitement. What is it about death that gets you students talking so much? But alas, it quickly becomes apparent that constant chattering, also a frequent issue, will not be an issue to triumph over with you all today. “What do we remember from Scene 2?” I ask. “Feel free to use your notes!” An eternity seems to pass as I look into the sea of your blank faces, dozens of pairs of unenthused eyes waiting for me to just g...