Let’s Think
0How does
feedback and
support from
peers impact the
writing process?
Writing Workshop Feedback Protocol
0 This is a time to offer specific feedback and assistance
to the writing.
0 It is not a time for us to impose our own thoughts on
the writing.
FEEDBACK SESSION
1. Writer’s Feedback (dilemma) [1-2 minutes]: Writer hands out copies of
draft for the group. Writer states/explains the specific dilemma(s) that
he/she is facing with the writing piece. Group members should write this
dilemma somewhere on the paper.
2. Read Aloud [3-5 minutes]: Writer reads draft aloud or asks someone in the
group to read it aloud.
3. Warm Feedback [2-3 minutes]: Participants comment on the strength of
the piece. This has to be an authentic affirmation; it is not okay to say, “It’s
good. I like it.” We also never use the word “but” in this phase of the
feedback.
4. Cool Feedback [5-7 minutes]: Group discusses the writer’s dilemma- this
should include specific suggestions or ideas. The writer should listen more
than speak. The writer may clarify information, but it is most helpful for the
writer to take notes on the discussion.
FEEDBACK SESSION
1. Writer’s Feedback (dilemma) [1-2 minutes]: Writer hands out copies of
draft for the group. Writer states/explains the specific dilemma(s) that
he/she is facing with the writing piece. Group members should write this
dilemma somewhere on the paper.
2. Read Aloud [3-5 minutes]: Writer reads draft aloud or asks someone in the
group to read it aloud.
3. Warm Feedback [2-3 minutes]: Participants comment on the strength of
the piece. This has to be an authentic affirmation; it is not okay to say, “It’s
good. I like it.” We also never use the word “but” in this phase of the
feedback.
4. Cool Feedback [5-7 minutes]: Group discusses the writer’s dilemma- this
should include specific suggestions or ideas. The writer should listen more
than speak. The writer may clarify information, but it is most helpful for the
writer to take notes on the discussion.
Model Example
Is anything truly perfect, especially if one thing is perfect
to one person, but not to another? In The Giver, a science
fiction novel by Lois Lowry, a potential filled boy named
Jonas learns how perfect his world actually is. Freedom is the
path of life an individual takes, and the possibilities an
individual chooses no one should be able to limit or control.
In the book, peoples’ path of life is chosen for them. An
example of this is, “In a firm, commanding voice she
announced, ‘Jonas has been selected to be our next Receiver
of Memory’” (Lowry, 57). In the story, people’s jobs are
chosen for themselves. Jonas is an example of this; he was
chosen to become the next Giver, and he could never change
that.
FEEDBACK SESSION
1. Writer’s Feedback (dilemma) [1-2 minutes]: Writer hands out copies of
draft for the group. Writer states/explains the specific dilemma(s) that
he/she is facing with the writing piece. Group members should write this
dilemma somewhere on the paper.
2. Read Aloud [3-5 minutes]: Writer reads draft aloud or asks someone in the
group to read it aloud.
3. Warm Feedback [2-3 minutes]: Participants comment on the strength of
the piece. This has to be an authentic affirmation; it is not okay to say, “It’s
good. I like it.” We also never use the word “but” in this phase of the
feedback.
4. Cool Feedback [5-7 minutes]: Group discusses the writer’s dilemma- this
should include specific suggestions or ideas. The writer should listen more
than speak. The writer may clarify information, but it is most helpful for the
writer to take notes on the discussion.
Dilemma: organization- engaging introduction; content and development- evidence
and reasoning connecting to claim
Is anything truly perfect, especially if one
thing is perfect to one person, but not to
another? In The Giver, a science fiction novel by
Lois Lowry, a potential filled boy named Jonas
learns how perfect his world actually is.
Freedom is the path of life an individual takes,
and the possibilities an individual chooses no
one should be able to limit or control.
In the book, peoples’ path of life is chosen
for them. An example of this is, “In a firm,
commanding voice she announced, ‘Jonas has
been selected to be our next Receiver of
Memory’” (Lowry 57). In the story, people’s jobs
are chosen for themselves. Jonas is an example
of this; he was chosen to become the next Giver,
and he could never change that.
Strength: Good strong thesis- it’s
apparent to the reader what you are
going to prove; it’s a definitive claim with
no person pronouns.
FEEDBACK SESSION
1. Writer’s Feedback (dilemma) [1-2 minutes]: Writer hands out copies of
draft for the group. Writer states/explains the specific dilemma(s) that
he/she is facing with the writing piece. Group members should write this
dilemma somewhere on the paper.
2. Read Aloud [3-5 minutes]: Writer reads draft aloud or asks someone in the
group to read it aloud.
3. Warm Feedback [2-3 minutes]: Participants comment on the strength of
the piece. This has to be an authentic affirmation; it is not okay to say, “It’s
good. I like it.” We also never use the word “but” in this phase of the
feedback.
4. Cool Feedback [5-7 minutes]: Group discusses the writer’s dilemma- this
should include specific suggestions or ideas. The writer should listen more
than speak. The writer may clarify information, but it is most helpful for the
writer to take notes on the discussion.
Dilemma: organization- engaging introduction; content and development- evidence
and reasoning connecting to claim
Is anything truly perfect, especially if one
thing is perfect to one person, but not to
another? In The Giver, a science fiction novel by
Lois Lowry, a potential filled boy named Jonas
learns how perfect his world actually is.
Freedom is the path of life an individual takes,
and the possibilities an individual chooses no
one should be able to limit or control.
In the book, peoples’ path of life is chosen
for them. An example of this is, “In a firm,
commanding voice she announced, ‘Jonas has
been selected to be our next Receiver of
Memory’” (Lowry 57). In the story, people’s jobs
are chosen for themselves. Jonas is an example
of this; he was chosen to become the next Giver,
and he could never change that.
Feedback:
• Consider choosing another lead to
capture the attention of your reader.
Using questions is not as engaging as
dialogue or a specific quote.
• Might want to add some background
information so your reader
understands more about the novel
and the character you will be
discussing in the paper. Always
assume your reader knows very little
about your topic.
• Think about how your evidence and
elaboration must prove your claim. Is
there another way you can enhance
your elaboration so that it ties back to
your thesis.
FEEDBACK SESSION
5. Response [2-3 minutes]: Writer responds to the feedback- he/she may talk
about specific ideas or suggestions that were helpful or things that gave
him/her something to think about; can also talk about what plans he/she
has for the piece.
6. Loose Ends: Group members return the drafts to the writer, especially if
they have made notes on the page. The writer thanks the group and offers to
facilitate the next session.
Debrief and Reflect
0 Was this activity beneficial?
0 How is this type of feedback better or worse than the
feedback we provide through Google Docs?
0 In what ways does this protocol helps us to see how
we can become better writers?
0 What did you like most about this protocol?
0 What aspects would you change?
WNB: Self Reflection
0 Based on today’s protocol and the group discussion,
what are two specific concepts or ideas you can
incorporate into your draft to help you achieve your
writing goal? What makes you say that? Justify your
answer.