ERIC Number: EJ1384661
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2470-8496
EISSN: EISSN-2470-850X
Using Affirming Learning Walks to Build Capacity
Ross, Donna L.; Lamb, Lisa L.; Johnson, Joseph F.
Journal of School Administration Research and Development, v8 n1 p47-54 2023
Teachers grow from sharing their practice and receiving feedback, yet it can be difficult for teachers to welcome others into their classrooms without feeling judged. Observers need to enter teachers' classrooms projecting respect and value for the challenging work of teaching. In this article, we share an approach to visiting classrooms, called "Affirming Learning Walks," that differs in comparison to more typical learning walks, instructional rounds, or classroom observations. Affirming learning walks are hosted by teachers or administrators, conducted with other teachers, designed around eight practices known to support student achievement, and focused only on those productive practices that are present rather than on the absence of practices or areas for improvement. This approach provides an opportunity to value many of a teacher's practices that are productive and encourages teachers to engage in more of the productive practices because they are highlighted and celebrated.
Descriptors: Capacity Building, Observation, Teacher Evaluation, Classroom Observation Techniques, Faculty Development, Collegiality, Teacher Leadership, Mathematics Teachers, Science Teachers, Teacher Attitudes
Principal Research Center, Inc. Peters Business Building Room 385, 5245 N. Backer Avenue m/s PB16, Fresno, CA 93740-8001. Tel: 424-281-4032; e-mail: editor@JSARD.org; Web site: http://www.jsard.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A