Teachers
don't always know what instructional coaches are looking for during visits.
This can be overwhelming and frustrating for teachers.
A
rubric can take away some uncertainty and provides a framework for coaching.
Using
rubrics for feedback helps instructional coaches have more authentic
conversations with teachers about what they saw during the lesson.
My
guest on this episode of The Coaching Podcast is Gretchen Bridgers from Always a Lesson. She’s here to talk about all things rubrics!
Using Rubrics for Feedback
Giving
feedback after a classroom visit can be stressful for coaches and teachers. Not
having a framework for what you're working on increases tension for everyone.
On
this episode, Gretchen shares how using a rubric can help set up structures for
coaching. With clear guidelines, it’s much easier to give feedback to teachers
and have them reflect on their work.
One
mistake that many coaches make when debriefing is doing all the legwork for the
teachers. Gretchen admits she used to do this but started inserting a teacher
reflection between when she saw them last and when they would meet.
This
one change helped shift the conversation and how teachers showed up to talk
with her. Teachers would use the rubric to reflect on what they did and where
to improve. They would come prepared to the meeting and that leads to more
authentic discussions.
Benefits of Teacher Rubrics
There
are many advantages to using a rubric with teachers. Gretchen explains how
rubrics provide a common language to talk about the work done in the building.
They can help the staff have a clearer understanding of the expectations.
Using
a rubric as an evaluation tool contributes to a feeling of clarity and reduces
teacher overwhelm. It empowers the teachers and gives them more control to tweak
their teaching to move up levels. With a rubric in place, it's clear what you
are doing or what you aren't doing, and the degree to which you're doing it
well.
How and When to Use Rubrics with Teachers
Rubrics
may be needs-based or focus on a specific subject area or skill. Teachers
should be encouraged to give input on rubrics because this collaboration will
lead to less resistance and better student outcomes.
During
the episode, we talked about how setting clear and measurable benchmarks makes
teachers feel safer. Gretchen also explains how she structures the debriefing
and uses guiding questions.
This
episode is full of information about using rubrics, introducing them to
teachers, and how to use them effectively. Rubrics may be the missing piece that
empowers your coaching work and the teachers' work as well.
Ready
to listen? You can listen below with the media player, or search for Buzzing
with MS. B: The Coaching Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts!
Learn more
Check me out at buzzingwithmsb.com and on Instagram @buzzingwithmsb.
Podcast produced by Fernie Ceniceros of Crowd & Town Creative
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