Providing Feedback Chapter 2

Generalizations Feedback should be corrective in nature Feedback should be timely Feedback should be specific to a criterion Students can effectively provide some of their own feedback

Recommendations: Use criterion-referenced feedback Focus feedback on specific types of knowledge Use student led feedback Research shows that the more immediate feedback is in classroom settings, the greater its impact on student behavior. (Kulik & Kulik, 1988)

Technology resources that facilitate and enhance the process of providing feedback for teachers and students. Word processing applications Data collection tools Web resources Communication software

Word Processing Applications Microsoft Word features: –Track changes and Insert Comments to give and gather student-led feedback –Flesch-Kincaid Readability Scale calculates the complexity of a piece of writing using sentence length and number of syllables in the words used.

Data Collection Tools Classroom Response Systems - known as student response systems – provide teachers with a new way to gather and disseminate specific feedback through the use of “clickers”. This generates an immediate analysis of how students responded. –Promethean, eInstruction, EduGame, and ClassAct

Data Collection cont. Grading Software –Sophisticated software is constantly being developed. Universities are evaluating student essays and other larger projects using some of the newest tools. Venders of this type of software include Achievement Series, iCampus, Vantage Learning, Maplesoft, Educational Testing Service, and SAGrader. Teachers found using Vantage Learning’s MY Access! Software in their classes led to an improvement in student writing and an increase in time devoted to the writing process (“High Schools Plug into Online Writing Program,” 2003)

Web Resources Online quizzes, games, and simulations that provide immediate feedback –If games and simulations are carefully chosen, they can be both educational and entertaining –A number of research studies suggest that bringing games and sumulations into the K-12 classroom positively affects student motivation, retention, transfer, and skill level. (Halverson, 2005; Klopfer, 2005; Prensky,2000; Squire, 2001)

Communication Software Blogs – short for “web log” is a Web site in which items are posted on a regular basis and usually displayed in reverse chronological order Wikis – similar to blogs but more versatile: a way for groups to collaborate by contributing and easily accessing information on a given subject and web-based so the participants are not limited to geographical location to participate. – assignments can be submitted and graded copies can be exchanged electronically, parents and students have continuous contact with instructor Instant Messaging –MSN Messenger, AIM, iChat, Trillion (supports most of the instant messaging programs and allows you to see all) Video Conferencing – a way to gather feedback from an authentic audience makes this a powerful motivator

Providing Recognition Giving students rewards or praise for accomplishments related to a goal Teachers who implement this strategy effectively positively influence their students attitudes and beliefs about accomplishment

Generalizations: Rewards do not necessarily have a negative effect on intrinsic motivation Reward is most effective when it is contingent on the attainment of some standard of performance Abstract symbolic recognition (e.g., praise) is more effective than tangible rewards (e.g., candy, money).

Recommendations: Personalize Recognition Use the Pause, Prompt, and Praise strategy Use concrete symbols of recognition

Providing Recognition Data Collection Tools (Web surveys) Multimedia – design and print personalized recognition certificates Web Resources – Create online showcases or galleries of students’ work Communication Software – audio (attach an audio wav file to your ) & video conferencing tools (globalwrites.org)

Multimedia Go to the Del.icio.us links page Find the link for personalized recognition certificates ( us/templates) us/templates

Web Resources Creating online galleries In the del.icio.us links, navigate to Also check out space.org/index.htmlwww.kids- space.org/index.html

Communication Software Video conferencing allows students to interact with other classrooms, provide constructive feedback, and has been shown to increase student motivation In the del.icio.us links, navigate to

Activity: Blog Reflection Navigate to the Blog site using the Del.icio.us shared bookmarks (the link is entitled esa2 technology integration blog) Answer the following question on the blog: How do you currently provide feedback and recognition? How might you use technology to enhance it?

IV: Which strategies will help students practice, review, and apply learning? Identifying Similarities & Differences Homework & Practice Generating and Testing Hypothesis

Identifying Similarities & Differences Helps students restructure their understanding of the content Students make new connections, experience fresh insights, and correct misconceptions Leads to deeper understanding

Generalizations Present students with explicit guidance in identifying similarities and differences Ask students to independently identify similarities and differences Represent similarities and differences in graphic or symbolic form

Recommendations Teach students to use comparing, classifying, metaphors, and analogy techniques Give students a model of the steps for engaging in the process Use a familiar context to teach students these steps Have students use graphic organizers as a visual tool Guide students. Work towards less structure and more practice

Identifying Similarities & Differences Graphic Organizers (Kidspiration, Inspiration, or Word) Spreadsheet Software (Excel – create comparison charts) Data Collection Tools (probes to collect data, then organize the data in Word or a spreadsheet to analyze and compare)

Comparison Spreadsheet Name of PlanetWeight (in lbs) Mercury19 Venus45 Earth50 Moon8.5 Mars19 Jupiter119 Saturn46 Uranus44.5 Neptune56.5 Pluto (dwarf planet)3.5

Comparison Spreadsheet

Homework & Practice Gives students a chance to review and apply what they have learned Provides opportunities to deepen understanding and gain proficiency in skills

Generalizations Amounts of homework should differ between elementary & high school Parental involvement in homework should be kept to a minimum The purpose should be identified & articulated If assigned, homework should be commented upon

Recommendations Establish and communicate a homework policy Design homework assignments that clearly articulate purpose and outcome Vary approaches to providing feedback

Homework & Practice Spreadsheet software (graphing practice activities in Excel) Multimedia (PowerPoint games, movies) Web Resources (iknowthat.com, brainpop.com, flashcardexchange.com) Communication Software (writeboard.com, yourdraft.com, jot.com)

Multimedia PowerPoint games Navigate to the PowerPoint games for homework and practice on your del.icio.us site These games can be created using hyperlinks and action buttons in PowerPoint

Web Resources Navigate to Del.icio.us Click on the linkwww.iknowthat.com

Communication Software Yourdraft.com is a site to share documents with no passwords – you only share a URL. Visit yourdraft.com in the del.icio.us links Visit our shared draft document for tech class del.icio.us link

Generating and Testing Hypothesis Spreadsheet software (Interactive Savings and Investments in Excel) Data Collection (digital probes, comparison charts) Web Resources (smogcity.com; pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig, primaryaccess.org)

Web Resources ads.htmlhttp:// ads.html Go to the building big: loads lab link in your del.icio.us bookmarks

Activity: Blog Reflection Navigate to the Blog site using the Del.ic.ious shared bookmarks Answer the following question on the blog: Why do you feel it is important to align the use of technology with instructional strategies and state/national standards?

Activity: Technology Planning Template Find the Technology Planning Template used at the beginning of today’s session Work individually to plan a technology infused session for your classroom