“But You’re Not My Teacher!” Students Get Feedback From Teachers

English teachers from across the district gathered at Madison High School to learn more about giving feedback to students - - - but the students weren’t their own! Teachers spent the morning learning about giving effective feedback on students’ writing that is specific, timely, and in the right dose. Then 11th graders came in and sat next to a teacher they didn’t know and received feedback on a writing prompt they had written the day before. Some of the feedback teachers gave included tips for writing clearer claims, citing appropriate evidence, and organizing the writing. Students were receptive to the feedback and commented that it was a fun experience, “It’s weird getting feedback from an English teacher from another school. But the teacher I met with said the same thing my teacher always says!” Teachers loved the “learning by doing” method. One appreciative teacher commented, “Most professional development for teachers includes reading and watching videos about effective strategies. But the best teacher training comes from working directly with students!”