Description: This week I asked Mr. Barry to give a presentation on giving and receiving feedback. I wanted the interns to learn this important information since they will give feedback to their own students. In addition, they will give feedback to their Portfolio Support Teams. So, the information will be beneficial now and in the future. I really liked Mr. Barry’s hands-on learning activity to teach his point. He asked a student (John) to sit in a chair and try to pitch a tennis ball behind his head into a bucket. Students in the class gave John different types of feedback (no feedback, only positive feedback, only negative feedback, and balanced constructive feedback). The interns seemed to enjoy the activity and learned something in the process.

Analysis: I learned several things as a result of Mr. Barry’s presentation. First, I learned the importance of giving good feedback. Okay, I probably knew this before, but the activity made the inforamtion really stick in my head. I know that it’s important to balance the type of feedback that I give others. Being specific is important too. Second, I learned the importance of hands-on learning activities. Okay, I probably knew this before too, but the activity engrained in my mind the importance of using hands-on activities even when I do presentations myself. When the audience is involved, then more learning will occur.

Reflection: As a teacher, I now know that I need to give specific feedback. Perhaps I need to monitor the amount of praise that I give. The Pollyanna in me tends to focus on the positives. Also, I know that I need to use hands-on activities since they are powerful learning experiences.  NB