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Written Feedback to Students Can Dramatically Impact (for Better or Worse) the Quality of Their Writing

The Influence Of Feedback

I am a traveling teacher. I have been teaching in classrooms, whether my own or someone else’s, for almost three decades. I show how things can be done differently, through clarity and simplicity.

In my Writing Redux approach, I show you how to provide writing feedback that encourages student creativity and helps them love writing.

QUESTION

Do you learn better when someone criticizes or when someone highlights what you did well and then offers suggestions for how you can take it to the next level?

Most people prefer the “praise and a push” approach.

Yet for some reason, schools have held tightly to a corrective, punitive approach to student writing—marking all the errors and returning the papers a bunch of red ink.

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The Writing Redux Approach

THERE IS A BETTER WAY!

The Writing Redux Approach. (Redux, as in “reduced to its essence, simplified, with all the clutter and distractions and stuff that doesn’t work boiled away”—like when we reduce a tasty sauce when cooking to pump up the flavor.)

It’s a complete 180º about face from the traditional approach.

With Writing Redux, you partner with your students instead of punishing them, focusing on their strengths as writers and modeling opportunities for growth.

Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll receive by making this shift…

  • Students will welcome and use the feedback you provide on their writing.
  • You will be happier responding to writing because of the simplicity of this approach.
  • You’ll be able to help your students grow as writers because you’ll model next writing strategy to help them level up.
  • You’ll find a balance between feedback and grades.
  • You’ll actually reduce your paper load and be able to spend more time focusing on teaching.

Want to learn more about the Writing Redux approach? 

Let's Talk!

My Professional Development Model

I do professional development differently.

The exact details of my Professional Development Model experience varies from school to school, depending on the school’s budget and goals. But all five of the elements below will be present to some degree. 

  1. Goals & Learning Plan: The first thing we do when we partner is to co-create a learning plan for the school year, complete with goals for both the teachers and school leaders and metrics for how we will measure success. We then use our learning plan as a touchstone throughout the school year, circling back to it multiple times to assess and adjust course. Everyone feels more successful because they see the progress toward goals.
  1. Whole-Group Presentation(s): Our interactive whole-group sessions build community and shared knowledge. To make a significant shift in practice, we excavate the tired instructional practices and envision a new, a more student-centered approach.
  1. Classroom Visits/Modeling: This is the heart of my professional development approach. I don’t believe in just telling you how to do something. Rather, I show you by demoing with students.
  1. 1-on-1 Coaching Visits: I also meet with individual teachers 1-to-1 in their classrooms with their students. In a coaching visit, you decide the focus, sharing what you’re curious about, and I act as your thought partner. One teacher I worked with has described the effect of these coaching sessions as “a spa for the teacher’s soul.”
  1. Connecting Between Visits: In addition to everything above, we will also stay connected between visits. I know that consistent communication is needed to sustain the learning momentum. I’m always there for you as a sounding board or to celebrate something in your classroom (my fav!).

STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING LITERACY

Here's The Bottom Line...

The specific teaching strategies involved in the Writing Redux Approach aren’t difficult to learn. The biggest hurdle is making the mindset shift from a focus on correcting errors to identifying strengths and modeling opportunities for growth.

And through my responsive approach to PD, I give you all the support you need to make that mindset shift.

I’m dedicated to making sure that you have everything you need to become the best writing teacher you can be.

Ready to learn more? 

Let's Talk!
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Some endorsements of Patty's Work

What Educators Are Saying About Patty

★★★★★ 5/5

“This book will transform the lives of writers! The book opens up your mind to rethinking the ways in which we approach feedback with writers. There are several examples and suggestions that enable you to jump right in. Patty’s warm tone and user-friendly language used in this book motivates and inspires you in such a way that you can truly envision yourself trying out the powerful strategies right away. Everyone needs to have this book…it is a joyful read and one that will empower all writers!”

Laura

Teacher Reviewing "Feedback That Moves"

★★★★★ 5/5

“I can’t wait to use this book (Feedback That Moves Writers Forward)! Not only with my writers, but also when working with my readers! It is the book that every teacher needs on their shelf and every graduate student should read as they prepare for student teaching. As I refine my feedback techniques in attempt to transform my writers, I can use this book for inspiration. I will also reference it for practical charts, strategies to model and writing habits to look for. I can’t wait to teach the suggestions and practices in this book to my students as they peer conference and have author talks. Patty’s tone and voice is not overwhelming. I feel like I can immediately try out various parts of this book, taking small steps to improving my writing instruction.”

Michael Meyer

Teacher Reviewing "Feedback That Moves"

Ready for Streamlined Writing Instruction that Works?

Let’s talk about how I can help you create an instructional approach that you’ll love.

Contact Patty