I love this! Conferencing with my students as often as possible is the best way for me to know them as learners and thinkers. I am going to check out Loom! I think it could be a great way to elevate my feedback for my fifth-graders. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I bet elementary teachers do this all the time - I know I've read about you conferencing with students. We high school teachers need to do a better job learning from our elementary colleagues :)
I retired in June of 2021, but felt the excitement of possibility when I read about recording conferences with the screen showing. AND I'M RETIRED! haha! Glad you found not only some relief, but a way to maximize learning while giving feedback.
I wish EVERY student had you for a writing/history teacher - what you did is SO valuable. It takes SO much time to grade essays and writing so huge huge kudos. Also, I have not even heard of RUN and I consider myself to be a major Ann Patchett fan, so thank you!
Jenna, I hear you about AI. But I think we CAN think about using AI to give feedback. You're right about how we need to know what our students are thinking. But I think there are ways to take advantage of the feedback AI can give that can free us up to do the things AI can't. For example, couldn't you have AI give students feedback and THEN conference with the students? While you're conferencing, the students can first look at that feedback from AI and consider what feedback they find helpful, what they might not agree with and/or understand. The Broken Copier did a great podcast talking about AI --https://thebrokencopier.substack.com/p/more-like-chatgpa Also, I highly recommend English teacher Matthew Johnson's work at https://matthewmjohnson.com/blog/.
How long did each conference last, on average? And did you read the essay in advance or right in front of the student? Did you end up having to comment on any persistent grammatical or punctuation issues?
I tried to keep each to 7 minutes but my average was 11. Yikes! I did not read in advance, but right in front of the student. A few times I'd make grammar comments, but as a history teacher, I tried to stick with only grading and discussing the history stuff.
I love this! Conferencing with my students as often as possible is the best way for me to know them as learners and thinkers. I am going to check out Loom! I think it could be a great way to elevate my feedback for my fifth-graders. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I bet elementary teachers do this all the time - I know I've read about you conferencing with students. We high school teachers need to do a better job learning from our elementary colleagues :)
I love writing conferences! Thanks for sharing these good ideas.
I remember liking RUN when I read it way back when. I don't remember much of the story, but I second your rec!
Also, ditto to ALL of the AI feelings!!
I retired in June of 2021, but felt the excitement of possibility when I read about recording conferences with the screen showing. AND I'M RETIRED! haha! Glad you found not only some relief, but a way to maximize learning while giving feedback.
Yay not having to grade things!! It was the most brain draining part for me, that’s for sure.
It was so amazing to have this weekend free. I feel like I've been given a new lease on life, lol.
We love this for you. More nature less grading!
I wish EVERY student had you for a writing/history teacher - what you did is SO valuable. It takes SO much time to grade essays and writing so huge huge kudos. Also, I have not even heard of RUN and I consider myself to be a major Ann Patchett fan, so thank you!
RUN reviews are super mixed so I hope you like it! My mom found it in a Little Free Library.
And do you do writing conferences? Has everyone been doing them without me? lol.
No, I think it is RARE to do them! Which is why I am sure you are a rare and wonderful teacher.
Jenna, I hear you about AI. But I think we CAN think about using AI to give feedback. You're right about how we need to know what our students are thinking. But I think there are ways to take advantage of the feedback AI can give that can free us up to do the things AI can't. For example, couldn't you have AI give students feedback and THEN conference with the students? While you're conferencing, the students can first look at that feedback from AI and consider what feedback they find helpful, what they might not agree with and/or understand. The Broken Copier did a great podcast talking about AI --https://thebrokencopier.substack.com/p/more-like-chatgpa Also, I highly recommend English teacher Matthew Johnson's work at https://matthewmjohnson.com/blog/.
And one other great idea I just saw: a twist to feedback. "Before submitting work, students now identify 1-2 areas where they feel unsure
& ask 1-2 specific questions about that section." Read more here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aimeeskidmoreeducator_faster-and-more-effective-feedback-activity-7320333100989751296-5uRV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAyHPSsBTp4DzimtcuMkIdmHYdfc2bPjoyk
How long did each conference last, on average? And did you read the essay in advance or right in front of the student? Did you end up having to comment on any persistent grammatical or punctuation issues?
I tried to keep each to 7 minutes but my average was 11. Yikes! I did not read in advance, but right in front of the student. A few times I'd make grammar comments, but as a history teacher, I tried to stick with only grading and discussing the history stuff.
Thanks so much for reading/commenting :)
This newsletter is like having a virtual mentor teacher!!
Aw, thanks Rybin. You are one of my best cheerleaders :)