Interpreting Documentation
Why interpretation is so important....
When we analyze and interpret documented learning experiences, we move from simply informing our professional practices to educating them.
When we interpret documentation, we have the ability to view and approach teaching, learning and our students in new and differentiated ways.
Interpretation of documentation is what makes reflection of teaching and learning practices possible.
Essential Guiding Questions for Self-Reflection
Am I documenting my own words and actions as well as the students'?
Does the documentation help me re-examine things I did not initially notice or understand?
Does the documentation help me identify key moments of learning or aspects of the learning context?
Does the documentation suggest next steps for teaching or learning?
Does the documentation raise questions I can discuss with my colleagues or students?
What other documentation might I collect to extend this inquiry? Would my documentation be strengthened by using more than one medium?
Making Learning Visible Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education http://www.makinglearningvisibleresources.org/documentation-when-does-it-make-learning-visible.html
Building Knowledge Together
No matter how impartial we may think may be when interpreting documentation, the undeniable truth is that the documentation we choose to analyse will always be subjective to our own points of view on teaching and learning.
When documentation is shared amongst our colleagues, it brings forth additional perspectives and viewpoints to ground our interpretations, challenge biases and confirm new learnings.
Sharing documentation with our peers can be a valuable (and free!) form of professional development for everyone.