Follow the NCSL ‘Effective Influencing’ course I raced back to school for parents evening. Having listened to the parents and carer at our parent forum group I made two conscious changes to the way I operated. First, I stated that I would prefer to use our time to discuss their child’s progress rather than review the recent report, however I did add, if they had any questions about the report I would of course be more than happy to answer their questions. Not one single question.
I then made a simple statement outline if the progress was below, in line or above expectations before offering one or two strategies or tasks that either students could do to, or they could do to promote learning.
So far, a much more positive series of meetings.
Finally, I then asked if I could show them how I experienced their child’s behaviour and learning in class?
“Of course,” most answered curiously.
At which point I was logged into Classdojo reports. I clicked on their child’s name and simply turned the laptop around so that the report was facing them. The visual display was very well received indeed, easily explained, and had high impact. I was able to explain how I used Classdojo in the classroom and parents were able to translate the donut data to behaviour. It certainly prompted discussion. I was able to explain the different sections and highlight unique elements of their child’s behaviour in class. It promoted even more discussion if a red section (negative) indicated unacceptable behaviour. #Tip Do take time to code your behaviours and do try and avoid just using the basic dojo award.
So impressed by the parents and carers response, I emailed the team at @Classdojo the few queries or suggestions that the parents had offered in our discussions;
Using CD at parents evening. Most like the visual look and respond very well. Of course the data display is mainly positive, reflecting how I work with this group and how I have employed the tool in class. A few parents have asked how their child compares to the group norms. Can the range of points be displayed?? Or just make more of the totals a little more prominent?
The @classdojo team responded with their useful supportive tone.
Kristian – more data visualizations on the way 🙂 what else would you like?
Cheers Sam
It is hard to see where you can go wrong with Classdojo. Conversely, there is so much that is right.
Since writing this post, the new reports have been released and my word they are simply fantastic. See for yourself. I can’t wait to share this with my students at the end of the academic year. We may well have to have our own Oscars style ceremony to send them onto their next teacher. Bravo team Classdojo.
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