Research has demonstrated that learning is
experienced more deeply and connections are made more broadly when someone
debriefs an activity or lesson with youth.
A debrief gives you an opportunity to check on your objective and see if
the youth can demonstrate an understanding of the objective. A debrief gives young people an opportunity
to share what they know and the questions they still may have. In Common Core this is an essential aspect of
learning. Debriefing is a kind of
metacognition which allows each person to consider what has just occurred and
the thoughts he/she has about it.
Research tells us that when debriefing one of the
most important things we can do is give the youth wait time and an opportunity
to collect their thoughts so they can share with others in the group. To be sure there are always those young
people who quickly raise their hand in response to any question, but pausing
before we call on them or anyone at all, gives all young people a chance to
think and respond. Youth learn language
and communication skills by having lots of opportunities to practice. So give them time to think, then have them
put heads together to work out the kinks in the thinking, or have them take
time to write about or draw the ideas they have. Again, one of the essential aspects of Common
Core implementation is the ability to think deeply and to explain what you were
thinking when you took the action you did.
Consult 4 Kids has both written and video material
around debriefing, including the importance of debriefing and strategies to
implement. Contact us at support@consultfourkids.com,
check out the website, www.consultfourkids.com,
and give us a call at (661)322-4347.