Looking Together at Student Work

by David Allen, David Allen, Barbara Schieffelin Powell

This expanded second edition provides teachers and administrators with strategies and resources for working together to examine and discuss student work, such as science projects, essays, art work, math problems, and more. Providing real examples of how educators can do this, the authors describe three structured conversations, or protocols. Retaining all of its practical, user-friendly features, this updated edition introduces: A new section that summarizes recent research that supports looking at student work as an instructional and school improvement strategy. "The Consultancy," an additional protocol that shows groups how to address issues and dilemmas of practice using student work as evidence. A new chapter on the role of the facilitator, including techniques. A new case study focusing on the Tuning Protocol.

Genres: Education

78 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Gordon Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what a gem of a book! The book includes a set of steps for introducing protocols to the work of teachers, explains the purpose and uses of two simple protocols, gives examples of two schools who have adapted protocols then finally explains the job of the facilitator in a group using protocols.

The two focus protocols have many potential uses and the advice given for facilitators and groups obviously comes from deep experience on the part of the authors with the use of protocols. So many education books pad out a feebly small number of good ideas with endless, repetition and platitudes. This book is the opposite - a concise ( 75 pages), informative little book simply packed with useful information.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Granted, I only skimmed this book, but it doesn't appear to be that useful. A lot of the information seems like common sense, and there didn't seem to be any "aha!" type things. Also, as a first year teacher, I don't think I could use anything in here. Perhaps down the road.

[Nadiene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide to assessing student work using protocols. Having used them in a real situations, they have proven themselves to be extremely useful and helpful.