Critical Friends Protocol
The Critical Friends Protocol is a process that focuses on reflective practice, collegial relationships and it is an excellent avenue for giving and receiving feedback.
Using this process to help clarify our PBL driving question has been very useful. It is refreshing to have a new set of people hear your driving question, as they will ultimately come up with new ideas and questions that makes you reflect on your teaching and learning.
The Critical Friends that we partook in a couple of weeks ago, helped confirm that we were on the right track and made my team and I reflect and think of some other ways that we might be able to present information to the students. It was also interesting to listen to the teaching and learning that is taking place in other parts of the school. I enjoyed giving feedback and sharing my knowledge and background in performing arts and I hope that the other team were able to take back some of my feedback and questions and use this in their teaching/performance this term.
I can definitely see this process being of use in other areas of the school. It would be a great technique to teach the students. It would help them with their presenting skills. listening, questioning and being able to give positive and constructive criticism.
When I first heard of this technique, I was a little taken aback with the choice of wording. To me, the word critical, conjures up a negative connotation. Something to be concerned about and the thought that our ideas would be 'criticized' rather than critiqued did not seem too appealing. However, this is far from the case. I wonder why it wasn't called 'Constructive Friends Protocol?' Perhaps this would be a better name for it.
I agree with your thought on critical friends and how worth while it is for everyone involved. I too see the negative connotations attached to the word "critical" and think Constructive Friends Protocol sounds much better
ReplyDeleteYes this process does make you reflect about things and the way this is done is in a supportive way and professional way. Interesting last thought you had on the usage of the word 'critical' I agree Constructive might be a better word.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased you found the session worthwhile. I can see how the word 'critical' made you feel that way initially. I think 'critical' is intended to mean 'important' or the 'key factors' which are to be highlighted and discussed.
ReplyDeleteI had never thought about it in that way, Rebecca. Isn't it interesting how we can interrupt something so differently. Makes you re-think the choices of language you might choose when talking with students. There will always be some that take away something completely different.
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