Dylan Wiliam explains how feedback will be most effective when students are fully engaged in learning. Good learners, we know, tend to attribute both failure and success to internal, unstable causes—in other words, they know that it is within their power to get better. It’s therefore essential that teachers help students understand that “ability” is not a fixed quantity.
Students must understand that they are not born with talent (or lack of it) and that their personalities do not determine whether or not they are “good at maths” or “good at writing.” Rather, ability is incremental. The harder you work, the better you get. Once students begin to understand this “growth mindset” as Carol Dweck calls it, students are much more likely to embrace feedback from their teachers.
What really matters in feedback is the relationship between the student and the teacher
Every teacher knows that the same feedback given to two similar students can make one try harder and the second give up. When teachers know their students well, they know when to push and when to back off. Moreover, if students don’t believe their teachers know what they’re talking about or don’t have the students’ best interests at heart, they won’t invest the time to process and put to work the feedback teachers give them.
Parent Teacher Student interviews are essential in creating a supportive educational environment. They ensure that everyone involved in the student's education is on the same page, working towards common goals and providing the necessary support and feedback for the student's success.
The College held Parent Teacher Student Interviews last Friday 24 and Sunday 26 May. Over the 2 days across K-12, there were over 5000 interviews held. These interviews are a crucial component of the educational process, offering numerous benefits for all parties involved. These benefits include:
Enhanced Communication
Building Relationships: These interviews provide a platform for parents, teachers, and students to establish and strengthen their relationships.
Sharing Information: Teachers can share academic progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, while parents can provide insights about their child's behaviour, interests, and any challenges they face at home.
Student Involvement and Accountability
Student Voice: Including students in the interviews empowers them to take an active role in their education. They can discuss their achievements, set goals, and express any concerns.
Responsibility: Students learn to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour, fostering a sense of accountability.
Personalised Support
Tailored Strategies: Teachers and parents can collaboratively develop strategies to support the student's learning and well-being, addressing specific needs and preferences.
Identifying Issues Early: Early identification of academic or behavioural issues allows for timely interventions, preventing minor problems from escalating.
Goal Setting and Progress Tracking
Setting Goals: Collaborative goal setting ensures that the student, parents, and teacher are aligned in their expectations and efforts.
Monitoring Progress: Regular updates and reviews of the student's progress help in maintaining focus and making necessary adjustments to learning strategies.
Strengthening Home-School Connections
Consistency: When parents and teachers work together, they can provide a consistent message and approach, both at school and at home.
Supportive Environment: A strong home-school connection creates a supportive environment that is conducive to the student's academic and personal growth.
Building Trust and Collaboration
Mutual Understanding: Open and honest communication helps in building trust between parents and teachers, leading to more effective collaboration.
Problem Solving: Jointly addressing issues fosters a collaborative problem-solving approach, benefiting the student’s overall development.
Encouraging Positive Behaviours
Reinforcement: Positive feedback from both parents and teachers during interviews reinforces good behaviour and effort.
Motivation: Recognising achievements and discussing future goals can motivate students to maintain or improve their performance.
Ms Judith Tolomeo
Director of Teaching and Learning