Equation for a Recommendation

Want recommendations that work?  Follow this equation:

Evidence + Advice = Recommendation

Making recommendations is a frequent and effective coaching tool.  However, the effectiveness of coaching recommendations rests on the teacher’s perception of their relevance.  Unless the reason for the recommendation is clear, there’s little chance that the suggestion will be used. 

Here’s an example:  In a debrief session after observing a very limited classroom discussion, the coach offered this advice:  “You might try using sticks with students’ names or some other random name generator to call on students.”  What made the recommendation effective, however, was the evidence that preceded it:  “When you called on only students with their hands raised, most of the students didn’t contribute to the conversation.”  This evidence provided the warrant for the recommendation.  The teacher first saw the need, then heard a possible solution. 

In our recommendation equation, evidence is information about how the teacher is doing.  The evidence is most effective when tied with student outcomes rather than being focused solely on the teacher.  Such feedback is deliberate, explicit, and opens the door for a recommendation. 

Rather than including an evaluative comment, information that lays the groundwork for a recommendation is provided In a non-judgmental way.  It awakens awareness of the need for change and increases the teacher’s receptiveness to advice.  Providing neutral, goal related facts* about performance in relation to a goal is an important “part one” of a recommendation.  Effective coaching begins with careful observation that yields evidence of the effectiveness of instruction. 

Evidence + Advice = Recommendation

*Wiggins, G. (2012).  Seven keys to effective feedback. Feedback for Learning, 70(1), 10-16.

 

This week, you might want to take a look at:

A video with tips for teaching oral language skills:

http://my.hrw.com/content/hmof/language_arts/hmhcollections/resources/common/videoPlayer/index.html?shortvid=V_FLLIT_0303

 

Advice for having students document their learning while reading chapter books (includes photos of model charts that could be created with the class):

http://chartchums.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/so-your-students-are-starting-to-read-chapter-books/

 

A video with Carol Dweck on the importance of letting kids struggle:

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/embracing-struggle-exl?utm_source=Teaching+Channel+Newsletter&utm_campaign=26366d3783-Newsletter_June_14_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_23c3feb22a-26366d3783-290610213

 

An infographic about remodeling literacy learning:

http://www.literacyinlearningexchange.org/sites/default/files/remodeling-together-infographic.pdf

Tips for creating digital citizenship:

http://plpnetwork.com/2014/06/26/primary-kids-digital-citizenship-skills/?utm_source=19966766&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=High+Road

 

That’s it for this week.  Happy Coaching!