Group Meeting #7

In this meeting we explored the idea of giving feedback in the form of "movies."

We talked about how this form of feedback was different from the other methods - at first, we were confused, and couldn't really see a huge difference between "movies" and summary and say-back. We decided that the difference was subtle - your reaction to something after you have read it will naturally be very different from your response to it as you're reading it. The analogy of a movie fit very well for this method of feedback. 

We decided to read Ting's short story Sky Flying, but since she had to leave for a meeting (?), we each wrote our comments and responses in "story-form" ever few paragraphs. This way of giving feedback offers a completely different perspective to the author...

At the end of the meeting, we asked each other how effective we thought the group feedback has been. We each agreed it has been mostly confidence-building, but it has also pointed out things that the writer wouldn't have noticed, and has been a resource of advice about what needs work and what's good... 

Sixth Group Meeting Summary

First, our group read the Criterion-Based Feedback piece, and then had a small dialogue about the importance of feedback in all areas of our schoolwork, from science to history. All four of us were in agreement with many of the points from the reading. We all felt that we focus on topics such as content, organization, language, voice and mechanics when we give each other feedback. We also felt that the point about evaluating the meaning of a fiction piece is essential for a good piece of writing.
Afterwards, we decided to look at each of the pieces (revisions) we all had written for class and put the concepts to practice in our feedback. Each of us spent about 25 minutes reading all three pieces (from the other group members.) We each wrote down feedback for each person in bullet points. Then, we discussed as a whole group again each person and gave suggestions for improvement. Lastly, each person sat with their own piece and feedback, and wrote down a question for our own writing for you.
Overall, I think some of the things covered in this reading was a bit repetitive for us, since we have all had plenty of experience peer-editing other students’ work and giving constructive feedback. However I think it was a good reminder of the possibilities for giving positive feedback. Learning how to give good feedback also translates into better personal writing and awareness of our own flaws and areas for improvement.