Critical Friends listen and ask incisive Develop trust in, and respect and personal questions that encourage presenting regard for, fellow group members. instructors (those seeking guidance) to define Recognize the competence and expertise and articulate the rationale and intended that each group member brings to the outcomes of their work. This refining process. technique has been called a Honor the norms established by the group. “tuning process,” in which instructors adjust assignments to promote optimal learning gains for their Structural Features for Success students, much as musicians tune their Groups are small (4–6 members) to permit instruments to achieve optimal sound quality. open discussion and foster participation by all members. Process Meetings are facilitated. The Annenberg Institute used adult learning Meetings are held regularly (at least once theory as the basis for the Critical Friends monthly, scheduled in advance) and for a process, especially the principle that adults substantial duration to maintain can engage successfully in autonomous, momentum and address pressing needs. group learning. To promote such Space is designated for the group meetings learning: in a place convenient for instructors. The instructor seeking guidance poses a question or presents a challenge to the Guiding Questions for All Group Members group and describes desired outcomes to What am I thinking now about my guide the work. group’s classroom and my teaching? What do I The other instructors in the group raise want to do to improve both? questions and provide feedback, What am I learning about my teaching encouraging all members to gain new practice today? perspectives on their instructional practice. What strategies will I try in my classroom? Principles Examine teaching and student learning. Use data to inform the process. Share work so that colleagues can learn from one another. Commit time and energy to the group process. Be honest, reflective, and open to input from group members.
Critical Friends listen and ask incisive questions that encourage presenting instructors (those seeking guidance) to define and articulate the rationale and intended outcomes of their work. This refining technique has been called a “tuning process,” in which instructors adjust assignments to promote optimal learning gains for their students, much as musicians tune their instruments to achieve optimal sound quality. Process The Annenberg Institute used adult learning theory as the basis for the Critical Friends process, especially the principle that adults can engage successfully in autonomous, group learning. To promote such learning: The instructor seeking guidance poses a question or presents a challenge to the group and describes desired outcomes to guide the group’s work. The other instructors in the group raise questions and provide feedback, encouraging all members to gain new perspectives on their instructional practice. Principles Examine teaching and student learning. Use data to inform the process. Share work so that colleagues can learn from one another. Commit time and energy to the group process. Be honest, reflective, and open to input from group members. Develop trust in, and respect and personal regard for, fellow group members. Recognize the competence and expertise that each group member brings to the process. Honor the norms established by the group. Structural Features for Success Groups are small (4–6 members) to permit open discussion and foster participation by all members. Meetings are facilitated. Meetings are held regularly (at least once monthly, scheduled in advance) and for a substantial duration to maintain momentum and address pressing needs. Space is designated for the group meetings in a place convenient for instructors. Guiding Questions for All Group Members What am I thinking now about my classroom and my teaching? What do I want to do to improve both? What am I learning about my teaching practice today? What strategies will I try in my classroom?
5OverviewCriticalFriendsGroups.docx