Learning Walk

See how it works

At a glance

Time in class

None. 10–15 minutes of your planning period.

Prep

Ask a colleague whose class meets during your planning period if you can drop in.

Materials

Paper for one note

Grouping

Teacher

Use it when

Once a month, or when you’re stuck on a specific problem

Why it works

Seeing a technique in a real classroom shows details no description captures. A short, focused visit with no evaluation is low-pressure for both teachers, and professional learning works best when it’s tied to your own classroom practice.

1. Pick a focus1 minuteOne question, such as “How does she get groups started so fast?”
2. Ask1 minute“Could I pop in for ten minutes during my planning on Tuesday? I want to see how you start group work. Not an evaluation, just stealing ideas.”
3. Visit10 minutesSit at the side. Watch for your focus only. Jot what the teacher says and does.
4. Pick one move2 minutesWrite it down in one sentence.
5. Thank them1 minuteA quick note naming what you learned.
6. Try itThis week

See it in action

Watch out for

• Watching everything: one focus question only.
• Turning it into feedback for them: you’re there to learn, not to evaluate.
• No time: 10 minutes counts. You don’t need a full period or coverage.

Level up

• Invite that teacher to watch you try it.
• Visit a teacher in a different grade or subject.

Make it work for everyone

• Choose a focus that helps a student group you’re struggling to reach.

Tech option

If schedules never line up, ask a colleague to record two minutes of the routine on a school device.

Resources