Building a Community of Learners Through Feedback

by John Stephany

I recently had the opportunity to present at a yearly Middle School Leadership Conference, hosted by Saigon South International School and sponsored by EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools). The conference brought together middle school educators and leadership from across Southeast Asia and focused on The Power of Connection, creating a valuable space to share ideas, learn from one another, and reflect on how we best support students during these important years of learning.

After a call for session proposals, I was invited to lead a workshop titled “Building a Community of Learners Through Peer and Self-Feedback.” The session explored a practical coaching-style feedback cycle that helps students take greater ownership of their learning while also strengthening their sense of connection to one another. We examined simple, adaptable strategies such as writing scaffolds, peer- and self-feedback routines, and study-skills habits that support clearer thinking, stronger writing, and more intentional learning behaviors—particularly for multilingual and EAL learners.

Equally valuable was the opportunity to learn alongside educators and leaders from international schools across the region. The conversations and shared experiences offered fresh perspectives and reinforced the importance of collaboration within our profession.

I am very grateful to the GESM leadership for supporting my participation and presentation at this conference. I look forward to bringing these ideas and insights back to our classrooms and continuing to strengthen a feedback-rich, collaborative learning culture within the GESM community.