Teaching Walkthrus: A Five-Step Guide for Instructional Coaching

Walkthroughs are a powerful tool for instructional coaches to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. They help coaches identify areas of strength and growth and provide specific feedback to teachers to help them improve their practice.

However, planning teaching walkthroughs better takes more than just grabbing a clipboard and wandering into a teacher's classroom. To be effective, walkthroughs should be planned carefully and conducted in a way that is both supportive and informative.

Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides for instructional coaching

by Tom Sherrington

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27073 KB
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Print length	:	159 pages
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This five-step guide will help instructional coaches plan and conduct effective teaching walkthroughs.

Step 1: Determine the Focus of the Walkthrough

The first step in planning a walkthrough is to determine the focus. What are you hoping to learn about the teacher's instruction? Are you looking to assess their implementation of a new teaching strategy? Are you interested in observing their classroom management techniques?

Once you know the focus of the walkthrough, you can develop a plan for how you will collect data. This may involve using a checklist, taking notes, or recording the lesson.

Step 2: Schedule the Walkthrough

Once you have determined the focus of the walkthrough, you need to schedule a time to observe the teacher. It is important to give the teacher advance notice so that they have time to prepare.

When scheduling the walkthrough, be sure to choose a time when the teacher is teaching a lesson that is relevant to the focus of the walkthrough. You should also avoid scheduling the walkthrough during a time when the teacher is likely to be stressed or overwhelmed.

Step 3: Conduct the Walkthrough

On the day of the walkthrough, arrive on time and introduce yourself to the teacher. Explain the purpose of the walkthrough and what you will be observing.

As you observe the lesson, take notes or use a checklist to document your observations. Be sure to focus on the specific areas that you identified in Step 1.

Step 4: Analyze the Data

After the walkthrough, take some time to analyze the data that you collected. Identify the teacher's strengths and weaknesses and consider what feedback you will provide.

It is important to be specific and constructive in your feedback. Avoid general statements like "You need to improve your classroom management." Instead, provide specific examples of what the teacher could do to improve.

Step 5: Provide Feedback

The final step in the walkthrough process is to provide feedback to the teacher. This can be done in a formal or informal setting.

If you are providing feedback in a formal setting, such as a post-observation conference, be sure to schedule a time to meet with the teacher. During the conference, share your observations and provide specific feedback. Be sure to focus on the teacher's strengths and provide suggestions for improvement.

If you are providing feedback in an informal setting, such as a quick conversation after class, be brief and to the point. Share one or two key observations and provide a suggestion for improvement.

Teaching walkthroughs are a powerful tool for instructional coaches to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. By following the five steps outlined in this guide, coaches can plan and conduct effective walkthroughs that provide teachers with valuable feedback to improve their practice.

Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides for instructional coaching

by Tom Sherrington

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27073 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	159 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE