STAR LEARNING WALK GOALS:
Most people assume that the purpose of classroom observation is to make judgments and provide feedback to the teacher observed. With the STAR Learning Walks, nothing is further from the truth.
The first thing to recognize is that “instruction” is human behavior. As such, it is governed by habits. Most of the time these habits don’t change for two reasons: (1) teachers do not think about their instructional habits, and (2) teachers do not plan to change their habits. We have found teachers will not change their instructional practices unless they learn to reflect on their instructional habits and implement pedagogical lesson planning.
We know what effective practices are, and we know what they look like, but rarely do they reach the classroom, even after specific skills training. Based on BERC research, however, rarely are teachers ineffective because they do not know what to do. In our experience many teachers know the right thing to do, but they are not in the habit of mindfully doing it. If teachers do not know the skill, then we teach it. However, that cannot be the end of it. We provide support that fundamentally helps teachers identify existing (ineffective) instructional practices and create effective Instructional Habits. STAR Walks allow us to SEE and identify if it is an effective or ineffective instructional practice. Discuss effective instructional practice that we DIDN’T SEE (even during tests or independent work) and how it could be applied during this time frame that we observed.
The first thing to recognize is that “instruction” is human behavior. As such, it is governed by habits. Most of the time these habits don’t change for two reasons: (1) teachers do not think about their instructional habits, and (2) teachers do not plan to change their habits. We have found teachers will not change their instructional practices unless they learn to reflect on their instructional habits and implement pedagogical lesson planning.
We know what effective practices are, and we know what they look like, but rarely do they reach the classroom, even after specific skills training. Based on BERC research, however, rarely are teachers ineffective because they do not know what to do. In our experience many teachers know the right thing to do, but they are not in the habit of mindfully doing it. If teachers do not know the skill, then we teach it. However, that cannot be the end of it. We provide support that fundamentally helps teachers identify existing (ineffective) instructional practices and create effective Instructional Habits. STAR Walks allow us to SEE and identify if it is an effective or ineffective instructional practice. Discuss effective instructional practice that we DIDN’T SEE (even during tests or independent work) and how it could be applied during this time frame that we observed.
The goals of a STAR Learning Walk are:
(1) to learn WHY we do these instructional habits
(2) to learn WHAT these instructional habits are and the language used, AND
(3) to personally commit to one or more of these habits.
It is NEVER the purpose to critically evaluate others. The humble leadership demonstrated by teachers who are willing to open up their classrooms for observation and by teachers who are willing to discuss their observations in a respectful and reflective way creates a safe, supportive environment that facilitates change in instructional practice.
STAR Learning Walks come in many forms, including walking from classroom to classroom and watching video simulations to see teaching and learning in action. The transition from video to live observations requires an understanding of the culture in your school. Instructional practice is a very personal and sensitive issue, so we encourage participants to observe teaching and learning through video initially, with the eventual goal of bringing the process home to an appreciative and trusting community within their own building/school.
(1) to learn WHY we do these instructional habits
(2) to learn WHAT these instructional habits are and the language used, AND
(3) to personally commit to one or more of these habits.
It is NEVER the purpose to critically evaluate others. The humble leadership demonstrated by teachers who are willing to open up their classrooms for observation and by teachers who are willing to discuss their observations in a respectful and reflective way creates a safe, supportive environment that facilitates change in instructional practice.
STAR Learning Walks come in many forms, including walking from classroom to classroom and watching video simulations to see teaching and learning in action. The transition from video to live observations requires an understanding of the culture in your school. Instructional practice is a very personal and sensitive issue, so we encourage participants to observe teaching and learning through video initially, with the eventual goal of bringing the process home to an appreciative and trusting community within their own building/school.
Please click on the logo on the left to access the BERC (Baker-Evaluation-Research-Consulting) Group. The BERC Group is an independent evaluation, research, and consulting firm focused on putting research into practice. Our mission is to skillfully gather, analyze, and use data to inform, inspire, and improve all learning organizations.
|
*All information on the STAR WALK was accessed and used from the BERC Website on November 28, 2015.