Learning Walks Helping Teachers at RFES

Submitted by Katie Schmidt
5th Grade Teacher, Rodgers Forge Elementary 

Teachers at Rodgers Forge Elementary recently participated in their first round of “learning walks” throughout the school day.  During the walk, teachers had a chance to visit classrooms in other grade levels throughout the building.  They took notes on three focus areas:  

1. Teacher behaviors that contribute to a learner-centered environment
   
2. How the physical space reflects student input and facilitates a learner-centered environment
   
3. How students are acquiring, developing, using, or producing knowledge, information, and skills  

The observers were able to interact with students as well.  At the conclusion of the walk, the teachers met to reflect on their observations with administrators and the STAT teacher, and they generated ideas of next steps for their own classroom environment and teaching practices.  This was a great opportunity to collaboratively plan after gathering new ideas from colleagues!