As an instructional coach, you know that one of the most important parts of your job is giving feedback to teachers. But what does that feedback look like? How can you ensure that it’s constructive and leads to positive change in the classroom?
When it comes to giving feedback, there are a few things that every instructional coach should keep in mind. First, always give feedback in a private setting. This way, the teacher will feel comfortable discussing any areas of concern and won’t have to worry about his or her reputation being impacted by the conversation.
Second, avoid using “I” statements when giving feedback. For example, instead of saying “I noticed that you didn’t give any eye contact to your students when you were speaking,” try “I noticed that there was very little eye contact made with students when you were speaking.” This will help the teacher feel as though you’re giving him or her objective feedback rather than your personal opinion.
Finally, be specific when giving feedback. Vague comments like “You need to work on your classroom management” aren’t helpful and can actually be quite damaging. Instead, try something like “I noticed that there were a few times when students were talking out of turn and you didn’t address it immediately. In the future, I recommend addressing disruptive behavior as soon as it happens so that it doesn’t become a habit.”
Giving feedback is one of the most important parts of an instructional coach’s job. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your feedback is constructive and helpful. And when it comes to making positive changes in the classroom, that’s exactly what we’re looking for!
