Effective classroom walkthroughs can transform instructional practices and school culture—when done right. This comprehensive guide shares proven best practices that help school leaders conduct meaningful observations that teachers value and that genuinely improve student learning.
Before the Walkthrough: Setting the Foundation
1. Establish Clear Purpose and Communication
Teachers need to understand that walkthroughs are about professional growth, not evaluation. Before implementing a walkthrough program:
- Hold a staff meeting to explain the non-evaluative nature of walkthroughs
- Share the observation form or tool you'll be using
- Clarify how feedback will be delivered and used
- Emphasize that walkthroughs focus on trends, not individual performance
2. Define Your "Look-Fors"
Focus on specific, observable behaviors rather than trying to capture everything. Common effective look-fors include:
Student Engagement
- • Active participation levels
- • Student discourse quality
- • Time on task
- • Evidence of thinking
Instructional Strategies
- • Differentiation techniques
- • Questioning strategies
- • Technology integration
- • Assessment methods
During the Walkthrough: Observation Techniques
3. The 5-10 Minute Sweet Spot
Research shows that 5-10 minute observations provide sufficient data while minimizing disruption. Here's how to maximize this time:
Recommended Time Allocation:
- • Minutes 1-2: Observe classroom environment and culture
- • Minutes 3-6: Focus on instruction and student engagement
- • Minutes 7-9: Document specific evidence and examples
- • Minute 10: Note questions or wonderings for reflection
4. Be Present but Unobtrusive
Do's
- • Enter quietly and find an unobtrusive spot
- • Smile and acknowledge the teacher
- • Focus on observable behaviors
- • Take factual, objective notes
- • Look for evidence of learning
Don'ts
- • Interrupt the lesson flow
- • Interact with students during observation
- • Make evaluative judgments
- • Use your phone for non-observation tasks
- • Stay if a sensitive situation arises
5. Capture Evidence, Not Opinions
Focus on recording what you see and hear, not interpretations. Compare these examples:
| Instead of This (Opinion) | Write This (Evidence) |
|---|---|
| "Great classroom management" | "Students transitioned between activities in under 30 seconds" |
| "Students were bored" | "3 of 20 students had heads down, 5 were looking at phones" |
| "Poor questioning technique" | "Teacher asked 8 yes/no questions, 1 open-ended question" |
After the Walkthrough: Feedback That Matters
6. Timely, Specific Feedback
Feedback should be delivered within 24-48 hours while the lesson is fresh. Consider these approaches:
The "Glow and Grow" Method
Share one specific strength observed (glow) and one question or suggestion for growth (grow).
The "I Noticed, I Wondered" Framework
Share factual observations followed by reflective questions that promote teacher thinking.
The "Plus/Delta" Approach
Highlight what's working well (plus) and what might be changed or adjusted (delta).
7. Focus on Trends, Not Individuals
Use walkthrough data to identify school-wide patterns and inform professional development:
- Monthly Analysis: Review walkthrough data monthly to identify emerging trends
- Team Sharing: Share aggregate data with grade-level or department teams
- PD Planning: Use trends to inform professional development priorities
- Celebrate Success: Publicly recognize positive trends and improvements
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Making It Feel Evaluative
Even if unintended, using walkthrough data in evaluations destroys trust.
Inconsistent Implementation
Sporadic walkthroughs send the message they're not a priority.
Focusing Only on Compliance
Looking only for lesson plans or standards posted misses the real learning.
Not Following Up
Observations without feedback or action become meaningless.
Building a Walkthrough Culture Teachers Embrace
The most successful walkthrough programs create a culture of continuous improvement where teachers actually look forward to observations. Here's how:
Start with Volunteers
Begin your program with teachers who volunteer to be observed first. Their positive experiences will encourage others.
Make It Reciprocal
Invite teachers to conduct walkthroughs too. Peer observations build collective efficacy.
Share Your Own Learning
When administrators share what they're learning from walkthroughs, it models growth mindset.
Celebrate Innovation
Use walkthrough data to identify and share innovative practices happening in classrooms.
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