If you’re a school board member, you know that part of your job is to ensure that students are receiving a quality education. One way to do this is to ensure teachers are effective in the classroom. Classroom walkthroughs and teacher observations are two ways to do this. But what exactly are they? And what should you be looking for? Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Classroom Walkthroughs?
A classroom walkthrough is when a school administrator or other staff member visits a classroom to observe the teacher and students in action. The purpose of a walkthrough is to get a sense of what’s happening in the classroom on a day-to-day basis and to identify any areas where improvements can be made.
During a walkthrough, the observer should take note of things like the teacher’s lesson delivery, student engagement, and use of instructional materials. They should also look for any potential safety hazards or other problems that could interfere with learning. After the visit, the observer will usually meet with the teacher to discuss their observations and offer suggestions for improvement.
What Are Teacher Observations?
Teacher observations are similar to classroom walkthroughs, but they tend to be more formal and structured. Observers usually have a checklist of things they’re looking for, and they may take notes during the observation.
Like classroom walkthroughs, the purpose of teacher observation is to get a sense of what’s happening in the classroom and identify any areas where improvements can be made. However, because they’re more formal, observations can sometimes be seen as evaluative in nature. This isn’t always the case—sometimes observations are meant to provide feedback—but it’s something to keep in mind.
Summary
School board members play an important role in ensuring students receive a quality education. One way to do this is by ensuring teachers are effective in the classroom. Classroom walkthroughs and teacher observations are two ways to do this. By understanding what these activities are and what you should be looking for, you can help ensure that every student has access to a great education.
