Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

Here's how you can use peer feedback to advance your teaching career.

As a teacher, you're accustomed to providing feedback to your students, but have you considered how peer feedback can be a powerful tool for your own professional development? Engaging with colleagues to review and critique each other's teaching methods can lead to insightful improvements and a richer educational environment. This collaborative process not only helps you reflect on your practice but also fosters a supportive community among educators.

1 Embrace Openness

Embracing openness is the first step in effectively using peer feedback to advance your teaching career. It requires a willingness to share your classroom experiences with colleagues and to listen to their insights without defensiveness. By fostering an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed, you can uncover blind spots in your teaching and discover new strategies. Remember, the aim is to grow professionally, and that begins with an open mind.

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Nancy Bondsford

Owner, Hands &Heart of God Ministries, Int.
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PROVIDE PRIVACY When having a problem with any student never address the issue in front of the class. Always speak to the student in privacy. Speak softly, not with irritation. Allow the student to express what is going on with him/her. Hear them out ! Address the issue with concern and perhaps even alert staff of the issues to further help the student.

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2 Seek Diversity

When seeking peer feedback, it's crucial to involve a diverse group of colleagues. This diversity can come from different teaching disciplines, experience levels, or educational philosophies. By doing so, you'll gain a wide range of perspectives that can challenge your own teaching practices and encourage innovative approaches. Each colleague will bring unique insights that can help you address various aspects of your teaching.

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3 Structure Feedback

To make the most of peer feedback, it's important to structure the process. Instead of informal chats that might lack depth, organize focused sessions where specific aspects of teaching are discussed. You can use tools like rubrics or checklists to guide the feedback and ensure that it is comprehensive and actionable. This structured approach will help you identify concrete areas for improvement.

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4 Reflect Regularly

Reflection is a key component of professional growth, and peer feedback can be a catalyst for this process. After receiving feedback, take the time to reflect on it thoroughly. Consider how it aligns with your teaching goals and what changes you can implement. Regular reflection sessions can help you track your progress over time and make adjustments as needed.

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Leonardo Sanchez Coello

Especialista en educación, innovación y enfoque STEAM. Políticas públicas y Gobierno.
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En efecto, una reflexión permanente, tanto de manera individual como grupal, sobre nuestra práctica educativa nos ayuda a ser mejores profesionales de la educación.

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5 Implement Changes

The true value of peer feedback lies in your ability to implement the suggested changes. It's not just about hearing what your colleagues have to say; it's about taking action. Start with small, manageable adjustments to your teaching practice and gradually tackle larger ones. By methodically implementing changes, you'll be able to measure their impact and continue refining your approach.

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Vrinda Saini

Co-founder Vidya.us (Start-up Chile’23)
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This could be difficult at first as the journey includes absorbing the feedback and then implementing. Their is no harm in trying, and sprinkling your magic on it.

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6 Share Outcomes

Finally, sharing the outcomes of the changes you've made as a result of peer feedback is crucial. This not only closes the feedback loop but also contributes to the collective knowledge of your peer group. Discuss what worked, what didn't, and what you learned from the experience. This shared learning can inspire others and further enhance the teaching community.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can use peer feedback to advance your teaching career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Openness

2 Seek Diversity

3 Structure Feedback

4 Reflect Regularly

5 Implement Changes

6 Share Outcomes

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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Here's how you can use peer feedback to advance your teaching career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Openness

2 Seek Diversity

3 Structure Feedback

4 Reflect Regularly

5 Implement Changes

6 Share Outcomes

7 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

Rate this article

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