Students and teachers use structures to analyze work samples for meaning, unpack the principles that contribute to their effectiveness, and identify important learning targets.
Critique structures and protocols promote equitable learning spaces and foster collegial relationships among students and adults. Critique is integrated into the fabric of the school culture as a method to understand, to learn, and to share powerful ideas.
Shape critique processes to welcome all voices, and guide students to both consider alternative perspectives and to frame their requests for feedback so that they will accomplish their goals. Purposeful critique is vital to deeper learning—the goal is to ensure every student offers and receives it.
Orient critique practice towards each student achieving goals that are meaningful to their personal learning. Students select the exemplars that they measure their work against, co-create rubrics, and direct the type of critical feedback that best supports their growth.
Focus critiques on elements of quality and learning targets found in real-world products meaningful to the students and the project’s stakeholders. Rigorous student critique matches the qualities and practices of professionals or experts, and experts or professionals are rich sources for critique.
What perspectives might experts, users, peers, or community members offer? How might they approach a critique, given their experience or expertise? Allow feedback both on teacher-processes and student work Effective critique becomes collaborative decentralized one-on-one instruction.
