Students and Post 16

• Introduction

• Assessment for Learning
• Exam Policy
• Exam Timetable
• Internal Appeals Procedure
• Learning Support
• Mathematics
• Peer Counsellors
• Senior Students
• Showcase of Student Work
• Student Council
• Student Support Area

How To Ensure Great Dialogue

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Some ideas…..

Before dialogue takes place….

Show an exemplar of excellent/poor dialogue to the class (a video?)

Have a list of key words that you encourage students to use during discussions about learning. These could be subject specific terminology or language for learning words linked to target setting, metacognition etc

Phrase success criteria in a student friendly language.

If you are discussing progress with an individual whilst the rest of the class is working, think about the room layout. You should be facing the class.

Use regular peer-assessment – so that student knows that the feedback given is correct and not a surprise. They are more likely to accept criticism from peers. Use reciprocal cards for feedback and evaluation.

Grow the ethos that everyone can be successful at their own level – relative rather than absolute success. “It is more important to beat your targets, not other people.”

Develop a supportive, safe, trusting environment/relationship.

Use deep assessment tasks based on content embedded into previous lesson content. Assessment shouldn’t be a new topic.

Allow student time to reflect before the discussion. Perhaps through prompt cards or a proforma sheet. Then more discussion time can be dedicated to next steps.

Remember to talk to teaching assistants about specific issues before, during and after dialogue process.

During the dialogue…

Always praise before constructive criticism. Use humour where appropriate.

Try and listen more than you talk. Invite self-evaluation.

Body language. This should include

• Offset to student
• Eye contact
• Open gestures
• Nodding and affirmative actions

For students who are very shy you may want to talk about progress when they are partnered up – so they can see how their friend has gone about the discussion.

Begin with open questions. These -

• Help students to feel at ease
• Encourage a conversational atmosphere
• Requires students to revisit/think about the process
• Allows you a direct line in to praise what they say.
• “What would you do differently next time” – a way to discuss weaknesses without students feeling persecuted.
• Ask student “How they thought they did” and how a teacher or marker can see how well they did – where are the indicators of success.

Help them project to the future – “What are you aiming for (career, grade, etc)?” and then link to how you will get there.

Use multiple intelligence concept as a way in – “Which of the intelligence types are you strongest in? How can you use these skills to accelerate your learning?”

Lots of rich questions – what if…?

Use of exemplars – real examples that students can see, feel, read, react to. Can be used as a compare and contrast task.

Use of two stars and a wish through peer assessment – revisit sheet with student. “Is this a fair comment?”

Use analogies that students understand, when discussing process of learning.

Don’t be afraid to bring in theories of learning – Bloom’s taxonomy, VAK, multiple intelligences etc

Refer back to success criteria

If a whole-class dialogue, allow it to be student led

Ask student to suggest what they enjoyed and what they would change about how the unit/subject was taught. This shows a mutual willingness to change and improve and that this is part of life, not just school.

After dialogue…

Set SMART targets

Look for improvement in subsequent lessons/tests and acknowledge this through praise/awards

Start the next dialogue session with a review of previous targets set.

Students record targets in their planners/books.

Teachers record targets in their markbooks.

Give opportunity for student response (written or verbal) after more time to reflect.

Offer choice of how future feedback will take place – gives students ownership.

Additional Information Developing Excellent Dialogue Notes from Dialogue Activity