The 10 Commandments

Journal entry #3. Giving feedback in class: The 10 Commandments

Being a teacher is not just about planning lessons, "backup plans" and hoping not to use them. I mean, have you ever wondered what to do when correcting your students while giving a class? 

  

Well, next to most of my classmates and friends, my teaching experience is almost zero but, still, it is slowly growing and so is my opinion on what to do when the time comes to stop a student from doing something incorrect or wrong. 

 So, if you wish to keep a good rapport with your students, here are the things that have helped me throughout my short experience as an English teacher:

1.- Keep it simple: Do not overcorrect.

2.- Let other classmates give feedback: teachers may rest for a few seconds.

3.- Don't expose anyone: this will probably destroy a hardly built rapport. 

4.- Balance your feedback: look for this thing called "sandwich feedback", you'll thank me later.

5.- Do not interrupt: give your students the chance to finish their idea because they may find the mistake and correct themselves. 

6.- Adapt your feedback: every student is different, and so your feedback should be.

7.- Go to the point: Students prefer to know their mistakes at once.

8.- Be patient: YOU ONCE WERE A STUDENT TOO.

9.- Allow students to make some reflection by themselves: teachers may rest for a few seconds.

10.- Find balance: there is a thin line between constructive feedback and being disrespectful.

Most of the time, teachers are models that are followed by students who learn from them. It would be wise if we mind what we say when giving feedback. If we do this, I assure you that you won't fail your students.