Teacher Educator Kate Semerenko talks about the important role learner feedback has in helping us develop our courses, materials and teaching practice. Kate shares how to gather feedback and how best to implement it.

KEY TALKING POINTS

Importance of Collecting Feedback

Kate highlights the importance of collecting feedback from learners throughout the course rather than waiting until the end. She emphasises that gathering feedback helps in understanding learners’' needs, improving teaching practice, and ensuring learners feel comfortable and valued.

Creating a Safe Space for Feedback

Kate suggests creating a safe atmosphere in lessons where learners feel comfortable expressing their feelings and opinions. By encouraging open dialogue and assuring learners that their feedback is valued, teachers can create a conducive environment for constructive feedback.

Ways to Collect Feedback

Various methods for collecting feedback are shared, including anonymous surveys like Google Forms, reflection at the end of lessons or courses, and informal one-on-one chats with learners. These approaches provide opportunities for learners to share their thoughts and feelings openly.

Implementing Feedback

Kate suggests analysing feedback, identifying actionable changes, and creating an action plan for implementation. She emphasises the importance of implementing changes gradually, monitoring their effectiveness, and seeking further feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

Building Trust and Dialogue

The episode closes with a discussion about the importance of conveying feedback changes to students, fostering trust, and encouraging ongoing dialogue. Teachers can strengthen teacher-student relationships and create a supportive learning environment by building a culture of open communication and demonstrating responsiveness to feedback.

ABOUT

Kate is a CELTA and Delta-qualified EFL professional who has been teaching English for more than 10 years. 

She’s taught general English to all age groups in one of the biggest English schools in Ukraine. She's experienced in preparing students for international exams and in creating modular courses, such as literature and soft skills for teenagers. Kate has also trained and mentored teachers through facilitating practical workshops.

Kate now works as a freelancer and helps teachers become their better selves by sharing her experience on Instagram, providing consultations and observations, and designing specific courses and workshops for teachers.

Follow Kate on Instagram at kate_the_teacher

TRANSCRIPT

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our brilliant guest, Kate Semerenko.

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