ORID Focus Conversation

INQIII
Church, 2015
English 10

Objective
Scholar-Artists will:
Reflect on the present poetry unit and
consider their learning thus far via ORID
discussion
Practice metacognition and self-assessment
via ORID discussion
Evaluate their learning and the unit itself;
offering places for improvement via ORID
discussion
of practice.

Standard
CCSS.ELA.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in
a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners
on grades 9-10 topics, texts and issues , building on others
ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Do Now
Take out your homework and share your piece
with the person on your left.
Discuss: Why did you choose this piece?
When would you pull this poem out of your
pocket?

What is ORID Focus Conversation?

O is for Observational
R is for Reflective
I is for Interpretive
D is for Decisional

a way to get honest feedback from participants

a chance for an open and honest dialogue about experiences

Why ORID Focus Conversation?

I am curious to know if this strategy can help me become a better teacher, so
your honesty is crucial.

How do we conduct an ORID Focus

Conversation?

Be honest
Take detailed notes
Speak up
The conversation moves quickly but, dont feel rushed
If you need to say something and miss it, be sure to write it down
I will not discuss; just listen and acknowledge your response
Share what pops to your mind as others are speaking; You are to speak
openly and freely; Just do not be rude
Listen to each question carefully. If you need me to repeat please ask
Jot down your thoughts about what we are discussing
Do not speak over your colleagues. Be respectful and mindful of who is
speaking their mind at the moment
Do not feel obligated to answer the current question if youre still thinking
about the last one

ORID Focus Conversation

Topic - Reflection on Poetry Unit

Conservation Objective - To provide students with an open forum on

sharing their thoughts and feeling regarding our previous/current unit
and allow the teacher space to grow using student evaluations.

Experiential Aim - have students express their shared experiences

with poetry, this unit and their learning; gather data based on student
responses in order to improve practice and unit of study for the future.

Objective Questions
(facts/sensory impressions/informational)
1. In regards to our poetry unit or work with poetry so far,
what word or words jump out at you?
2. What caught your attention most?
3. What words and phrases stick in your mind?
4. What was a key point for you?

Reflective Questions
(personal reactions/ associations/ emotions/ images)
1. What idea was/is most clear to you?
2. Which idea or experience were you drawn to?
3. What idea, concept, or experience was the most difficult to get your
mind around? (Say more about this)
4. In regards to our poetry unit, what visual themes come to mind?
5. What is the most exciting or inspiring?
6.

What seems to be the most critical?

Interpretive Questions
(meaning/ values/ significance/ purpose/ implications)
1. What insights are beginning to emerge?
2. What new point of view does this conversation give us?
3. What are some apparent central ideas or themes?
4. What questions does this conversation raise for you?
5.

What, if any, changes would you like to see based on this conversation or
your experience with poetry in this class?

Decisional Questions
(resolution/ action/ future directions/ next steps)
1.

What have we learned?

2.

What does this mean for you in future courses, especially English?

3.

If you were to retake my class, what would you like to see when we get to
poetry or in general?

4.

As a student, what are you committed to changing?

5.

How will this experience (with poetry or with this conversation) impact you
academics?

6.

What is a key element you like to see incorporated in my teaching style or

practice?

7.

What ideas/questions have been triggered?

Exit Slip
On the same sheet of paper you were taking
notes, complete this exit slip.
Take 2 minutes to reflect on the conversation
we had. Write whatever is on your mind at this
moment (stream-of-consciousness).