Lessons from American Idol (aka: “A Pool of Abdul”)
About 30 seconds ago, Ryan Seacrest mentioned something about melting into a “pool of Abdul.” At about that same moment, I turned to my husband and commented, “Wow – teachers could really take a lesson from Paula Abdul.” Let me explain…
One of the greatest challenges for teachers is providing meaningful feedback to students that serves as a guide for their continued growth. ”Great work” or “good job” or even “excellent” scribbled in the margins simply don’t give students what they need – meaningful, actionable feedback. Even a sentence or two at the end of the page doesn’t seem to be enough.
The Idol model is truly admirable. What if students could perform in front of a panel of four mentors? What if, one by one, each mentor could give the student immediate feedback, SPECIFIC feedback? What if students could receive personalized, focused, constructive criticism? After all, they all need a little Simon (the brutally honest cynic). Equally, they all need a dash of Paula (the positive, gushing, always-encouraging one). They also need a sprinkle of Randy (the down-to-earth dude who reasons with them). Sorry… I still don’t know that new woman’s name. But I like her.
At my school, we strive to recreate the Idol model (as I apparently now call it) through “Professional Learning Communities” or PLCs. We gather a handful of times over the year and compare student work. The theory behind it is great. But it is no Idol. What matters is that the KIDS receive meaningful feedback. Again, we could talk – as adults – until we are blue in the face. What seems to matter most, however, is our face time with the kids.
I would love to analyze American Idol from and educational perspective and write a lesson – for our teachers! Disagree with me if you will. But I challenge you to read the remarks teachers leave on your children’s lessons or report cards and compare it to the feedback Randy, Paula, Simon and the new woman provide.
By the way – this is the most talented group of Idol contestants of all time. It is anyone’s game…
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