I remember when reading and writing workshops first became popular. I used to "conference" with students, which meant that they would come to my desk and read their entire piece of writing. Then we would go through the writing, paragraph by paragraph, and spend a great deal of time editing. I would work hard at throwing in a couple of short grammar mini-lessons, and maybe a couple of pointers on voice. By the time I finished the conference, class would be over. One down, 20 more to go.
Needless to day, conferences did not occur often. Five minute meetings did not occur and the list of students that needed attention was endless. It was self defeating and ineffective.
Over the years, I have learned how to focus my conferences; I am far from perfect, but I must say that I have definitely improved my practices. Last week's reading really hit home when it pointed out that the best way to assess students is through conferring. Students do not look at the corrections or comments that we painstaking scrawl across their work; most of them toss it into the recycling, ready to move on to the next project. The true learning comes through the conversations that we have with kids; not the 30 minute tutoring sessions, but the 5 minute, focused exchanges that are focused, meaningful, and skill based.
I still struggle with time management. I still get distracted by the students that are whispering about what they brought in for lunch, or what they wanted to do after school. However, I am definitely noticing results as I travel around my classroom and touch base with each student. Not only does it reflected in their writing, but it also shines through in their workshop perseverance. It's only taken me a couple of decades...that's not too bad, is it?
Love your realization about the importance of conferring rather than corrected papers that just get tossed out! I believe those one-on-one conversations really bear much more fruit in our students. My struggle will be following through with those 'next steps' and keeping good notes for each student. Love that you also get distracted with those side conversations. As much as I try to ignore, they often get the best of me. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the realization that it is not all about the paperwork, but much more about the 1 on 1 interactions. When I do confer with my students I often find it hard to pull myself away from them and the learning we are doing together. I can see in their faces how much they appreciate me for paying attention to them and taking the time to work with them in a meaningful way that truly applies to where they currently are as a learner. I too struggle with time management and specifically being distracted by what else is happening my classroom. My class is still not in a place where I can immerse myself in a conference with 1 student without them needing me or interrupting me in some way.
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