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Feedback: How to do it effectively and why you should

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As educators we all understand the importance of giving feedback, however, how often do we stop to consider its impact and effectiveness? Our verbal and non-verbal cues continually influence student behaviour, and yet, can we be sure they're receiving the right messages?   First thing's first, do you know the difference between ' ego involved ' and ' task involved ' feedback? If you're anything like me, you're a creature of habit and offer phrases given to you in your childhood and schooling years. I often find myself saying things like 'good boy/girl', 'well done' and 'great job', for no reason other than habit. While these remarks might make a child feel good in the short term, we need to be aware that these comments have no impact, and sometimes even a negative impact, on learning.  Formative assessment expert and researcher Dylan Wiliams refers to these comments as 'ego involving feedback,' being that they
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2 teaching apps that will save you time and energy! Seesaw meets Explain Everything

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Marking and checking student work after every.single.lesson is almost impossible. There are not enough hours in the day to continually collect books, provide top notch feedback and return them within a reasonable time frame. This issue is universal for teachers, and one of the main reasons we all end up carting tens of books home with us each day, to mark while watching reruns of Seinfeld or if you're so included, The Bachelor.  Over the last 5 years, I have dreamed of clawing back a few of those hours so I can watch my TV in peace,  preferably in a horizontal position, under a blanket! Have I finally achieved this? For the most part, YES! Here's  how! A lot of teachers will already be familiar with Seesaw , the digital platform that allows students and teachers to post images, videos and typed notes onto a shared portfolio.  I've been using Seesaw for years and had a lot of positive feedback. Parents love connecting to their child's learning
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Watermelon Self Assessment

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In celebration of all things assessment, I've just shared one of my favourite self-assessment tools in my TeachersPayTeachers store for FREE!  And, as you may have guessed, it has to do with watermelons!  What you'll find in my Watermelon Self Assessment resource are 2 simple posters:   But, as beautiful as these posters are, they don't do much on their own.  What you'll need next are some super cute  watermelon paddle-pop sticks! Most teachers would have access these materials through their school, but if not, all in all, it won't cost you much more than $15! I bought these from my local $2 dollar store and was really happy with the quality.  Note: I purchased thicker paddle-pop sticks than the standard size, I want them to last as long as possible, plus I like the look of them! Once you've marked the centre line on both sides, start painting! I temporarily re-homed some eggs to use their
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Welcome!

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Welcome! Through this blog I hope to educate and inspire teachers in all things Assessment! Assessment is our greatest tool for delivering best practice and what's more, it can be fun! Thanks for stopping by,  Jessica.
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