Reflection
Watching this peer conference was an interesting experience. I am left to think about the students interaction as well as my role as a part of the experience. I will say that it is an awesome experience to step away and honestly look at what is going on in the learning process. I should have done this before!
I thought that the conference went fairly well and that the structures that were in place, such as the feedback sheet, were helpful for the girls. I think it helped them to keep track of what they were looking for and laid the groundwork for a more focused discussion of their work. The questions were open ended enough for the girls to answer them in their own unique way.
In terms of their discussion I thought that they articulated themselves rather well. I did find that I did a lot of the talking towards the end but I let them guide the conference in the beginning. I always like to try and give time for open discussion before I jump in. It gives me a chance to figure out what direction to take with the students. I do feel that I need to work on my role not being so predominate in the peer conferencing experience.
There was some confusion before the conference started regarding what the steps that they were supposed to take through the conference. I think that I need to do some more modeling of the work that I am expecting of them. I think that modeling it for them would give them a clear picture of the expectations of the peeer conference. It will give them a structured foundation before entering into the discussion. All to often I think that I expect things to happen when I don't take the time to articulate or show the students exactly what is needed. I need to get better at that!