Instructional rounding is a method used by school administrators and other educational leaders to observe teachers in the classroom and provide feedback on their teaching practices. It entails making frequent visits to schools to monitor lessons, collect information, and offer advice for enhancement.
The purpose of instructional rounding is to help teachers provide better lessons to students and to foster an environment where everyone is committed to constant improvement.
How does instructional rounds increase student learning?
Instructional rounds can increase student learning by providing teachers with valuable feedback on their teaching practices.
Classroom management, student engagement, and pedagogical consistency are just a few of the areas that can benefit from instructional rounds’ emphasis on observation and data collecting. The exchange of best practices and the growth of a more cohesive professional learning community are two additional benefits that might result from instructional rounds for teachers.
In addition, instructional rounds can contribute to the development of a school-wide commitment to lifelong education and improvement. This has the potential to lead to a stronger emphasis on student learning and the use of evidence-based teaching methods.
What are the pillars of instructional rounds? How to do instructional rounds? What are the steps?
- Observation: This involves visiting classrooms to observe instruction and gather data on teaching practices. Observation can be done individually or in teams and can focus on specific elements of instruction, such as classroom management, student engagement, and alignment with curriculum standards.
- Reflection: After observation, participants reflect on what they have seen and discuss their observations with others. This allows for the sharing of perspectives and the identification of patterns in teaching practices.
- Feedback: Based on the observations and reflections, feedback is provided to teachers on their teaching practices. This feedback can be used to support teachers in identifying areas for improvement and to make changes to their instruction.
- Collaboration: Instructional rounds involve collaboration among teachers, administrators, and other educational leaders. This allows for the sharing of best practices and the development of a stronger professional learning community.
- Continuous Improvement: Instructional rounds are an ongoing process that supports continuous improvement in teaching and learning. Teachers are encouraged to make changes to their instruction, implement new teaching strategies, and reflect on the impact of these changes on student learning.
What is the difference between instructional rounds and learning walks?
While both instructional rounds and learning walks entail watching classroom instruction and providing feedback to teachers, these two strategies differ in important ways.
| Instructional Rounds | Learning Walks |
|---|---|
| Observations are focused on specific elements of instruction, such as classroom management, student engagement, and alignment with curriculum standards. | Observations are focused on the overall learning environment, including the physical space and the use of resources. |
| Observations are conducted by a team of trained observers, typically including school administrators and other educational leaders. | Observations are conducted by a team that may include school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders. |
| Observations are followed by reflection and feedback sessions, where participants discuss their observations and provide feedback to teachers. | Observations are followed by debriefing sessions, where participants discuss their observations and may provide feedback to teachers or make recommendations for improvement. |
| Instructional rounds are an ongoing process, with regular observations and feedback sessions. | Learning walks are typically conducted less frequently, and may not be an ongoing process. |
| Instructional rounds are focused on improving instruction and student learning. | Learning walks are focused on assessing the overall learning environment, including the physical space and the use of resources. |
