Feedback tips
We asked teacher candidates (TCs), “What makes for effective feedback?” Here are some tips we heard from them that are consistent with research on effective feedback. These tips can be used for any kinds of feedback that you (mentors) provide. Download > Feedback Tips...
Feedback index cards
During busy days, feedback index cards can provide a quick way for mentors and TCs to interact around something the TC is intentionally working on. These index cards can be used anytime and can but need not go along with formal observations. Download PDF: Feedback index cards...
Mentor’s guide: Pre- and debriefing check-ins
What is this practice? Pre-briefing and debriefing check-ins refer to short discussions you have with the teacher candidate before and after a teaching episode, an encounter with a student, or an interaction with a parent. These can be episodes where either the mentor or the TC takes the lead in enacting something that is worth observing and reflecting upon. Why is it important? Pre-briefing check-ins help you identify what is worth observing in the upcoming enactment (enactment = what you or your TC will be doing). A pre-briefing check-in focuses the perception of the person doing the observations, so that they can attend to the most relevant aspects of the situation and give the person doing the enactment useful feedback. Similarly, debriefing is important because structured reflection enables TCs to make sense of what happened. Download PDF > Pre- and debriefing...