Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Lyn Sharratt’s Assessment Waterfall Chart and parent involvement
At St John Paul College, we are focussed on providing the best possible learning experiences for our students. One of the valuable approaches we have implemented is Lyn Sharratt's Assessment Waterfall Chart, which plays a pivotal role in fostering student growth and achievement.
I would like to share how parents can actively participate in and support this process, focusing on key elements such as feedback, learning intentions, and success criteria.
Understanding Learning Intentions
Learning intentions are the essential outcomes or goals that teachers set for each lesson or unit. They clarify what students are expected to learn and achieve.
Parents can engage in their child's learning by asking questions like, "What are you learning in school today?" or "What are your goals for this assignment?" Understanding the learning intentions helps parents align their support with classroom objectives.
Discussing Success Criteria
Success criteria are the specific criteria or benchmarks that indicate successful attainment of the learning intentions. They provide clarity about what high-quality work looks like.
Encourage your child to discuss success criteria with you. Ask questions like, "Can you explain what it takes to meet the success criteria for this project?" and "How can I help you achieve these criteria?"
Encouraging Self-Reflection
Feedback is a crucial part of the Assessment Waterfall Chart. It includes self-assessment, peer feedback, and teacher feedback.
Encourage your child to reflect on their own work. Ask questions like, "What do you think you did well in this assignment?" and "Where do you think you can improve?" This self-reflection promotes ownership of learning.
Providing Constructive Feedback
Parents can offer constructive feedback by reviewing their child's work and offering suggestions for improvement. Focus on specific aspects related to the success criteria.
Use phrases like, "I noticed that you did a great job with your research task, and here's an idea to make it even better," or "What do you think about trying different examples to meet the success criteria?"
Celebrating Achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements, both big and small. Recognise their effort and progress.
Celebrating achievements builds a positive learning environment where students are motivated to strive for success.
By actively engaging in discussions about learning intentions, success criteria, and feedback, parents play a vital role in their child's education journey. This collaborative effort fosters a deeper understanding of classroom objectives and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.
I would encourage families to embrace these practices and join us in creating a supportive learning environment that promotes growth and success for all our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing the academic and personal development of our students.
Study Skills
Learn more about the ‘managing stress’ resources through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au . Our College access details are:
School’s Username – stjohnpaul
School’s password – 89success
In addition, our subscription to Elevate Education may assist in this area.
This online platform contains resources and useful study tips that all SJPC students will find effective. We encourage them to access this Student Portal and try some of the strategies. Students have the password to this site. The password can also be found on the Curriculum Noticeboard.
AMDG
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching