Anchoring Professional Learning to Student Feedback
CSTP is grounded in the belief that Washington state needs reliable, timely information about the conditions of teaching in each of the schools across the state, and it needs that information conveyed in ways that help educators, community members, and policymakers improve schools. The Student Perception Professional Learning Toolkit includes protocols for processing survey results, discussion guides for classroom conversations, online modules, and a hybrid professional learning model that includes online and face-to-face connections for teachers focused on changing classroom practices. Currently, the survey items are designed to be utilized with students from grades three to 12 and can be adapted by teachers and schools based on the specific areas they would like feedback.
Why Spend Time on Student Perception Surveys?
Example of the types of questions that can be asked in a Student Perception survey. CSTP uses an online tool, EVAL, to help educators create the surveys.
As CSTP writes: “As educators, we understand the importance of learner agency. We know that learners with agency are better able to articulate their own learning needs, create or enhance their own learning experiences and become collaborators in the learning experience of the classroom. By asking your students to take part in the student perception surveys you are providing them an opportunity to develop and mold learner agency skills by modeling the vulnerability that real learning entails. You’re giving students a chance to exercise their voice and be a partner in their learning. Often times we ask ourselves, “How can I develop this skill in my students?” By exploring and reflecting on this through real-time student data you are recognizing your responsibility to take action. Teacher reflection and administrator observations are useful tools for teacher growth, student perception should be another way for a teacher to improve their practice and recognize their challenges through the lens of the student experience in their classroom.”
Getting feedback isn’t easy - for anyone! This graphic above shows the types of emotions teachers might feel when they read or hear from students.
CSTP has future goals to expand to webinars, conferences, and more to help educate others about the role and importance of students as collaborators in teachers’ professional growth. They also recently published a story reflecting on their learnings from this project in The Learning Professional.