When they say it takes a village to raise a child, the same applies to schools. It takes a team effort to support student growth and success. Hence, instructional rounds matter more than ever. It brings teachers and staff together to identify challenges, understand best practices in teaching, and come up with ideas that can actually work in the classroom.
Inspired by doctors conducting rounds in the field of medicine, instructional rounds mainly consist of three components: classroom observation, an improvement strategy, and a network of educators. Typically, educators use one or more elements in the implementation.
To see how instructional rounds happen in action, let’s dive right into the next section.
| Stage | Purpose | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Facilitator Training and Orientation | Prepare a lead to guide the process and align the team’s observation focus | Appoint a facilitator, define the learning walk focus, set a schedule, and communicate with the team |
| Team Briefing | Build shared understanding of the goals and logistics | Hold pre-round meeting, explain objectives, assign roles, and review observation protocol |
| Data Investigation | Collect objective classroom data for reflection | Facilitate team discussion, highlight effective strategies, avoid naming individuals, and use tools like ClassPoint for gathering insights |
| Debriefing on Learning Walk | Reflect on what was observed and identify strengths and areas for growth | Understand the root causes behind instructional challenges |
| Analysis and Reflection | Understand root causes behind instructional challenges | Review observation data, identify trends, analyze barriers, and discuss solutions collaboratively |
| Planning the Next Level of Work | Turn findings into concrete next steps | Set goals, timelines, and strategies, assign responsibilities, and ensure follow-through |
1. Start Facilitator Training and Orientation
A strong facilitator is key to guiding the instructional rounds process. They will work closely with the teaching team to define the focus of the upcoming learning walk, which is a classroom observation cycle where educators visit a colleague’s class to gather insights.
The focus could be on specific areas like student engagement or differentiated instruction. Then, the facilitator ensures that everyone understands the goals of the learning walk, the observation structure, and how collected data will be used for reflection and improvement.
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To prepare, it is a must to set a clear schedule, assign classrooms to each team member, and communicate the plan so that everyone is set and ready ahead of time.
2. Brief Team Members
Hold a pre-round meeting to align the team on goals, expectations, and the focus of the instructional rounds. Clearly explain what the team will be observing and why it matters.
Assign a classroom visitation schedule along with specific roles and responsibilities to ensure equal participation. Then, review the structure of the learning walks and share a simple observation protocol. Sample observation protocol could look like this:
| Observation Focus | Look-Fors | Notes Section |
|---|---|---|
| Student Engagement | Are most students actively participating? Are tasks appropriately challenging? | [space for notes] |
| Teacher Moves | How does the teacher check for understanding? Are questions open-ended or recall-based? | [space for notes] |
| Learning Environment | Are materials accessible? Are students working independently, collaboratively, or both? | [space for notes] |
Tip: You can also use a color-coded system or checklist format to simplify data collection during classroom visits.
3. Conduct Data Investigation
Split the team into small groups of two to three members for each learning walk. During each classroom visit, follow the observation protocol closely to ensure consistency and focus.
Take detailed notes on what is observed in the classroom, making sure your observations are objective, evidence-based, and free of bias or personal judgment. The purpose of these notes is to identify patterns, strengths, and areas for growth that can inform collaborative improvement.
Last but not least, always keep in mind that the goal is not to scrutinize individuals, but to support one another in enhancing teaching practices and improving student outcomes.
4. Post-Debriefing on Learning Walk
After the learning walks, bring the team back together for a debriefing session. Assign a facilitator to guide the discussion and keep it focused and productive. Just like the observation phase, this debrief should follow a structured protocol to help participants reflect and stay aligned with the instructional goals.
Begin by identifying effective teaching practices observed across classrooms. Highlight what worked well. Avoid naming specific teachers. Keep the discussion centered on instructional patterns and how students responded to the teaching.
Encourage team members to share their observations, ask questions, and brainstorm solutions together. If you’re using PowerPoint, you can utilize ClassPoint’s Short Answer activity or Quick Poll to gather immediate feedback and detailed responses.
5. Set Time for Analysis and Reflection
Once you’ve gathered your data, dedicate some time for the team to carefully analyze it. Look for patterns, trends, and recurring instructional challenges. This step is essential to move from surface-level observations to a deeper understanding of what may be helping or hindering student learning.
Ask team members to examine not only what was observed, but why it may be happening. Are there instructional strategies that consistently lead to higher engagement? Are certain barriers showing up across different classrooms or subjects? Reflecting on these questions helps the team uncover root causes rather than just symptoms.
Once the data has been discussed, collaborate on outlining a clear and realistic action plan. Identify specific changes that can be made, such as refining instructional strategies, offering targeted professional development, or adjusting classroom routines. Establish who is responsible for each step and how progress will be monitored in the future.
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6. Identify the Next Level of Work
After analyzing and reflecting on the data, it’s time to translate insights into action. Begin by defining your key goals and desired outcomes based on what was observed. Establish realistic timelines and outline specific strategies that align with your focus areas.
To ensure a coordinated effort, assign clear roles and responsibilities to each team member. Everyone should understand their part in carrying out the action plan, whether it involves implementing changes in the classroom, sharing resources, or supporting colleagues through peer coaching.
A well-structured plan, backed by shared accountability, increases the likelihood of meaningful instructional improvement and sustained progress over time.
Bottom Line: Success is A Collective Effort
Success is rarely achieved alone. It thrives when educators collaborate, observe one another, share insights, identify effective practices, and work together to refine teaching strategies and improve student outcomes.
Just as our students grow through feedback and reflection, we too grow by learning from one another. When we commit to collective growth, we create a stronger and more supportive learning environment for everyone. Supporting students in meaningful and intentional ways begins with us, and it begins together.
FAQs
What are instructional rounds, and how do they benefit schools?
Instructional rounds are a structured process where educators observe teaching practices in classrooms, reflect as a team, and collaborate to improve instruction. This method supports professional growth, fosters shared understanding of effective teaching, and ultimately enhances student learning.
Who typically participates in instructional rounds?
A team of educators, often including teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders, participates in instructional rounds. One member usually acts as a facilitator to guide the process and ensure alignment with instructional goals.
How are instructional rounds different from traditional classroom observations?
Unlike formal evaluations, instructional rounds are collaborative and non-judgmental. The focus is not on evaluating individual teachers but on identifying instructional patterns and promoting improvement across classrooms.
What should be the focus during instructional rounds?
The focus varies depending on school priorities. Common areas include student engagement, differentiated instruction, or assessment strategies. A clear focus helps guide observations and makes the data more meaningful.
How can schools get started with instructional rounds?
Begin by preparing a facilitator, setting a clear focus area, and developing an observation protocol. Schedule classroom visits, hold debriefing sessions, and use the findings to plan concrete next steps for instructional growth.
