Improving Performance With Classroom Walkthroughs

By Marci Glover


There is an aspect of clinical supervision associated with feedback and observation forms. They are considered effective tools for evaluating how a teacher performed. Their use in assisting the same teacher to improve on his performance is questionable. This has made classroom walkthroughs preferable. They are aimed at providing an opportunity for professional development.

Instructional leadership offered in a faculty or department ensures that students perform better. It is the structures that are laid down by an institution that determines the overall performance of its students and uniformity in curriculum delivery. There must be constant evaluation of both the teaching and learning processes. A solution must involve all stakeholders in the delivery channel. This is the way to improve performance.

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.

An observer or more is placed in a classroom to gather data on a particular behavior or practice. The information given helps the faculty to identify areas where curriculum delivery needs to be improved. The observer stays in the class between two and forty five minutes. It depends on the target during each session.

A standard model was developed by Downey Carolyn in the early years of implementation. This model has been improved over time to reflect the diverse and unique needs in different situations. The feedback is given to the individual or a report presented to the department for plenary evaluation. The walkthroughs act as learning processes or tools.

There are numerous benefits beyond collecting data when a faculty uses a walkthrough. The institutional habit or culture is reinforced. This results from the use of uniform approach in delivery. A template is followed and constantly improved depending on feedback. This feedback also acts as the center of discussion on the teaching and learning processes in the institution.

The data collected can be used to relate practices in different institutions. This tool therefore serves as a correlation accessory for participants, both internally and externally to learn. The availability of continuous feedback offers an incredible learning opportunity. It deepens understanding among stakeholders in the processes and helps them to improve on delivery.

The process of evaluation focuses on the mode of delivery instead of individual instructors. The model originally developed by Carolyn was short and laid emphasis on informal observations. Its interest was the curriculum and used collaborative means to improve 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.

A recording of the delivery session can be used as source of primary data. This means that the observer will not be physically present. His presence is likely to interfere with objectivity during delivery. The feedback given helps to institutionalize a particular culture. Standard practices can be applied across board. This explains the modifications that have resulted from unique aspects in each institution.




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