LEARNING WALKSHow we can share good practiceand learn from one another.

Why have a learning walk?

A learning walk can have many different purposes:

• To monitor or audit practice throughout the school by providing a snapshot of provision.

• To share good practice and promote consistency by different stakeholders walking the school.

• To check for implementation e.g. a learning walk to focus on how reading is taught throughout the school.

• To provide quality time for reflection and to stimulate professional discussion.

How do you organise a learning walk?• Decide on a focus and the method of recording:

- pre-set criteria using a checklist - general observations

• Is prior reading/briefing required for those undertaking the walk?

- knowledge of the National Literacy Framework- knowledge of best practice for teaching oracy/reading/writing

• Decide on a timetable

• Share the purpose/timetable with the staff team

Pre-walk decisions

• publish a timetable for your walk

• allow time for feedback amongst the walkers

• decide upon the process for giving feedback to staff

• decide how the learning walk will be written up

Who might participate in the learning walk?

• Staff • Pupils• Parents• Governors• Other professionals

Agree the rules of the walk

It may be helpful to agree some guidelines :

• The lesson must not be disrupted by action or comment (including chatting, interrupting or being a distraction).

• If the learners are working independently or in groups, agree whether you are going to ask questions or just observe.

• Confidentiality and safeguarding expectations must be made clear (especially to external participants).

What might be the outcomes?•Written report highlighting strengths and areas for

development.• Identification of good practice and a plan on how to

extend that across the school.•A change of policy, practice or routines.•Further information required to gain a more detailed

picture.

Some further reading:

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/region/loddonmallee/lt-litlearningwalks.pdf