Learning Walks

What are Learning Walks?

Learning walks are short, observational classroom visits by a small group of teachers (2 to 3 is ideal), spending 5-10 minutes in each classroom.

The observations are followed by conversations using group-established agreements and protocols. 

The observers in the learning walk are receptive to learning and gaining insights into their own professional practice and school-wide practices through observing others.  

Feedback is shared in a detailed but non-judgmental manner.  

Types of feedback:

Feedback must be immediate and should include the following:

• a positive that was observed in the classroom

• a question

Feedback can be in the way of:

• an email

• a post-it note left in the classroom

• verbal feedback, catching up with the staff member soon after the observation

The process:

Teachers meet to determine a focus for the Learning Walk.

At the conclusion of the Learning Walk, teachers will briefly discuss their observations.  You may choose to use the following protocols:  

Noticings…

What I observed in the lesson:

What is the teacher doing?

What are the students doing?

Wonderings…

What questions did these observations elicit?

Learnings…

What strategies did I learn that I would like to implement in my own classroom?

Remember to acknowledge the work of your colleagues by nominating them in Moffett’s Wednesday Spinny Wheel