The Advantages Of Conducting Classroom Walkthroughs

By Ines Flores


Conducting classroom dry runs is an excellent procedure for getting an overall idea of instruction in the school. Although naturally brief, these dry runs produce data patterns in terms of the different opportunities to meet the different interests and skills of the students, the types of work the students produce, levels of student engagement and instructional procedures that teachers use. These data patterns can be shared with the faculty to serve as a basis for discussion about how to increase student achievement and meet the needs of students.

An environment of resentment and suspicion can be created or a professional culture of continuous learning and development can be built by providing teachers with feedback and visiting classrooms. However, this will depend on the stand school administrators take. For example, feedback of school principals and administrators can increase teacher confidence and growth if they conduct classroom walkthroughs to find evidence and recognize attributes such as meaningful student learning and positive practices.

School administrators and principals resort to dry runs to support the good effort of the teachers and ask them to take part in a professional conversation. Collecting data can be done easily. Asking questions can also be another form of feedback. School administrators and principals frequently ask the teachers they have already monitored if there are other available ways to ensure the success of students in content application and learning.

It cannot be denied that there is room for improvement in any school. The dry run procedure is an excellent way to help administrators and teachers to improve their job especially in increasing the students' learning opportunities.

On the other hand, the purpose of this procedure can be defeated if assumptions are made or tiny criticisms are paid with more attention without knowing more about the intentions of the teachers and how they gauge student success. The success of dry runs will greatly depend on the respect the administrators give to the teachers.

The situation in the lecture area should be safe at all times and this is one thing that should be given ample attention. Unfortunately, there are instances when a student may cause learning distraction or put fellow students at risk. The school administrators and principals may even find students being isolated or excluded from the class.

Such situation should be dealt with right away. Intervention will be required just like having a talk with the teacher after class in order to stop problematic behaviors and ensure such practices are eliminated. Follow-up visits will be required the next day.

The understanding of school leaders should be increased especially in terms of what is going on in the classroom. Being more reflective and supporting good practice are also important. The professional culture of the school can be improved by increasing the sense of common purpose and trust. These can only be achieved by getting and sharing dry run data in a way that a positive outcome can be accomplished.




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