Improving Performance With Classroom Walkthroughs

By Marci Glover


Traditional observation and feedback forms come with an element of clinical supervision that does not seem friendly. They are effective in evaluating the performance of a teacher. There is need to go beyond this point and assist the same teacher to improve his performance. This makes classroom walkthroughs preferable. They are aimed at assisting teachers in their professional development endeavor.

The role of instructional leadership in assisting the students to maximize their potential cannot be overstated. Each institutions has a responsibility of laying down structures that make curriculum delivery effective. This will focus on both the learning and the teaching processes. The challenges in this endeavor are identified and a solution sort through stakeholder involvement. The entire department is involved in improving curriculum delivery.

The multiple advantages of using a walkthrough include availing vital data that describes how an institution is handling its core functions of teaching and learning. The teacher and leadership at faculty level must be involved in this process. This helps to improve on results instead of focusing on the teacher.

The observer situated in class collects data on a particular practice or behavior. The faculty uses this data to spot areas where improvement and consistency are required. The length of the observation time is between 2-45 minutes. It depends on how long a session is expected to last.

Downey Carolyn is accredited with creation of the basic model for walkthroughs. Over time, different institutions have modified their forms depending on their mandate. The aim is to meet unique needs in each environment. Evaluations are best done in a plenary in order to come up with a common stand. It creates uniformity within the department.

The general aim of a walkthrough is to ensure that instructional and institutional practices are reinforced. It is an incredible and detailed source of data for institutions about practices and the learning process. The feedback received becomes an important talking point as stakeholders discuss teaching and learning processes.

Availability of data from one department or faculty is used to relate to performance in other areas or institutions. Participants in the discussions and evaluation can either be internal or external. Feedback flows continuously which is important for constant improvement. The team understands vital elements about their roles with the aim of improving.

Evaluation should be based on processes and practices instead of individuals. Downey gave a short and focused model which relied on informal observations. It centered on the curriculum and was collaborative in its attempt to enhance performance.

The area of focus must be narrowed down for the observer since only specific practices are under evaluation. A similar sheet should be used in all sessions so that uniformity and discrepancies may be observed. Observers use a template referred to as Looks-fors. It gives the habits or practices under review.

Recorded resources are also used in place of physical presence in class. They provide objective data compared to having an observer in class. He is likely to cause a change in behavior and thus give a wrong observation. Effective delivery requires uniform and institutionalized practices. Modifications arise out of the desire by individual institutions to achieve particular goals.




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