Is this your first time on a classroom walkthrough? If you're new to this educational evaluation and professional development model, take a look at the questions you need to ask before you start.

How Long Is the Walkthrough?

These informal educational activities typically aren't all-day events. You'll conduct the walkthrough for a specific period you plan prior to the visit. This activity could last for a few minutes or an entire classroom period. The amount of time you spend in the classroom depends on the school's needs and your goals.

Keep in mind, the walkthrough is a snapshot of instructional practices and not an in-depth assessment. At the same time, it's also not a surprise or pop-in style visit. This means you need to find just the right timing.

What Is the Goal of the Visit?

A focused walkthrough with a strong set of goals behind it can make the process easier for everyone. If you know what to look for before you go into the classroom, you can streamline the visit and reduce the amount of time you need to spend.

While the overall goal of many of these visits is to improve instruction and learning outcomes, you may also have other specific or smaller objectives to meet. These may come from the school's administration, a previous observation, or an existing question you have.

How Will You Communicate with the Teacher?

It's important for the teacher to understand that the walkthrough isn't necessarily a comment on their past work. Even though you'll provide feedback to the teacher after the visit, you don't want to make the classroom educator feel uncomfortable or on-edge during the process.

Again, this is not a drop-in or surprise activity. Alert the teacher to the visit well before you show up. This doesn't mean you need to give the teacher time to make changes and overhaul their instruction prior to the visit. Instead, it's a common courtesy to give the classroom teacher fair warning. This type of communication can foster a positive environment.

Along with pre-visit communication, you'll need to communicate with the teacher during and after the walkthrough. As an observer, let what happens in the classroom unfold naturally and avoid stepping in or questioning the teacher during the visit. If you do have questions, note them as you walk through the classroom and ask them after during a debriefing session.

First-time observers should understand the process and ask themselves basic questions about timing, goals, and educator interactions ahead of time. The classroom walkthrough is an effective educational tool that can help administrators and other school professionals to direct instruction, make changes, and better understand what happens on a teacher-student level.

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