Critical Friends Protocol

A critical step in the design process for a PBL unit is the Critical Friends protocol. This critique model provides educators an opportunity to give and receive feedback on the initial project design. This protocol is conducted early in the planning process allowing teachers enough time to reflect on the feedback and revise the project before it is implemented. Successful protocols are moderated by a facilitator to keep participants actively involved, keeps the time and follows a structured agenda. An example of the agenda follows:

1. Presentation (5 min) The presenter explains the project to give the audience an understanding of their project.

2. Clarification (2 min) The audience asks clarifying questions to gain a complete understanding and purpose of the project.

3. Assessment (2 min) Audience uses Project Design Rubric to assess the project.

4. Feedback The audience provides feedback (presenter can no longer speak but can take notes).

• I like... Audience praise something about the project. (3 min)
• I wonder... Audience discuss concerns and potential weaknesses in the project, putting their feedback in the form of a question. (3 min)
• I have... Audience offer ideas or resources for the project. (3 min)

5. Reflection (3 min) The presenter reflects aloud on the feedback and determines next steps. (3 min)

Conder Elementary School recently organized their first Critical Friends protocol for each grade level implementing their next PBL unit. During planning, teachers presented their PBL lesson design to the District PBL Capacity Builders who then provided feedback based on their presentation. The process deemed very valuable to all grade levels, however, it also allowed District Capacity Builders a chance to support educators through a structured PD session. Here is some feedback we received from some of the teachers:

• “I think it was helpful to get another perspective from someone outside of our grade.  You made us think of things that we might not have thought of otherwise.”  
• “This protocol was perfect for the planning stage.  I think we will definitely use the suggestions as we move forward with our plan.”  
• “The audience provided positive feedback on the ideas already established, building on to the PBL by offering support (outside support, resources, materials).
• “I think it would beneficial to do it again. It was interesting to have an outside party review the plan for the first time and offer feedback and their perspective from what they could actually see. I think the older grades could benefit from this especially when thinking about higher order thinking skills and critical thinking.”