Lessons from Practicum 2/5

Sharing Learning Intentions and Student Reflections on Learning
Often, when comparing my time at university with actual school teaching experiences, I have found a lack of links between theory and practice. On this occasion however I saw a fine example of what I had heard talked about, actually being done!

My associate teacher was a firm proponent of sharing ‘targets’ or learning intentions at the beginning of each lesson. He then ensured that students regularly involved themselves in reflective questioning as part of his plenary (ending of a lesson).

I have since read more research about the sharing of learning intentions as part of formative assessment. An excellent book for this is:

Clarke, S., Timperley, H., & Hattie, J. (2003). Unlocking formative assessment: Practical strategies for enhancing students' learning in the primary and intermediate classroom (1st NZ ed.). Auckland: Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Ltd.

Seven possible reflective questions used were:

• What was your learning intention today?
• What’s something new you learnt today?
• Did you ask inquisitive questions?
• What skills could you improve?
• What did you find difficult?
• What did you enjoy about the session?
• What would you change if we repeated the activity/lesson?

These were often used in the form of students first thinking about the answer to themselves, and then sharing back

1. Think (to self) 30seconds
2. Pair (tell partner) 60seconds
3. Share (whole class) 90seconds