Learning Walks: A guide for school leaders
Explore how Learning Walks support school improvement by focusing on student learning, collaboration, and reflective practice.
What is a Learning Walk?
A Learning Walk is a short, focused visit to a classroom. It shifts attention away from teacher performance and toward what really matters: how students are learning. Rather than a formal inspection, it is a chance to see how pupils engage with ideas and content.
Key Takeaways
- Learning Walks fundamentally reframe classroom observation as a tool for understanding pupil learning, not evaluating teacher performance: This approach aligns with the principles of formative assessment, where the goal is to gather evidence of learning to inform instruction and provide timely feedback, rather than simply judging teaching efficacy (Wiliam, 2011). This shift fosters a culture of continuous improvement, enabling educators to identify and address pupils' misconceptions more effectively.
- The brevity and frequency of Learning Walks provide a powerful, low-stakes mechanism for gathering rich, systemic data on pupil engagement and understanding: By conducting multiple short visits, leaders can build a comprehensive picture of pedagogical practices and pupil responses across the school, identifying patterns and areas for development that might be missed in isolated, longer observations (Hattie, 2012). This aggregated data offers valuable insights into the collective impact on pupil achievement.
- Engaging directly with pupils during Learning Walks is paramount for uncovering authentic insights into their learning processes and understanding: Asking pupils targeted questions about their learning, what they are doing, and why, provides invaluable qualitative data that traditional observations often miss (Clarke, 2014). This direct feedback mechanism, central to effective formative assessment, empowers pupils and offers educators a clearer picture of the impact of their teaching from the learners' perspective.
- Learning Walks are a catalyst for cultivating a school-wide culture of collaborative professional learning and continuous improvement: By shifting the focus from individual teacher evaluation to collective inquiry into pupil learning, Learning Walks encourage open dialogue and shared responsibility for pedagogical development (Fullan, 2016). This collaborative approach, rooted in principles of professional learning communities, builds trust and fosters a supportive environment where educators can openly discuss practices and refine their teaching strategies.
When done well, Learning Walks spark professional conversations. Teachers can reflect on their choices and share what works. It is about understanding how thinking unfolds in real classrooms, not ticking boxes.
Traditional lesson observations can feel stressful. Teachers may feel they must stage a perfect lesson. A Learning Walk removes that pressure. It focuses on what learners are actually doing: how they work with concepts and engage with information.
One of the best parts is the chance for quick, grounded feedback. Teachers can have immediate professional conversations about what was noticed and what could be improved. It is a shared inquiry, not a performance review.
What matters most is whether children are grappling with ideas in meaningful ways. Are they making l inks and scaffolding learning? That is the real measure of classroom quality.
Why do we use Learning Walks?
There is no substitute for being in the room. Watching how learning unfolds offers insights that no document can provide. For school leaders, Learning Walks help gather real dataabout what is working and where support is needed.
These short visits form the baseline for school development. They help teams understand current practice and build a picture of how teaching strategies play out. But the real power lies in the conversations they spark between teachers.
For teachers who observe, it is a chance to compare approaches and reflect on their ownpractice. The follow-up discussions are where professional growth happens. Teachers return with fresh ideas to try.
Key benefits include:
- Building a culture of curiosity and inquiry among staff
- Showing what instruction looks like day to day
- Revealing chances for professional development
- Encouraging purposeful conversations about supporting pupils
- What topic is being covered?
- Does the content align with objectives?
- Is it accessible and engaging for all students?
- Are students actively joining in tasks and discussions?
- Are they showing focused and positive engagement?
- Is any student showing notable behaviour patterns?
- Is seating conducive to learning?
- Is student work displayed?
- Are resources accessible?
- Are objectives clearly posted?
- Is content connected to these objectives?
- Are goals challenging but achievable?
- What activities were students doing?
- What questions did students ask?
- Which strategies engaged students most?
- What was reinforced during the walk?
- What might they adjust in future lessons?
- Define the focus. What specific area of teaching and learning will you observe?
- Plan the route. Which classrooms will you visit?
- Brief observers. Ensure everyone knows the goals and protocols.
- Conduct the walks. Visit classrooms briefly and unobtrusively.
- Gather data. Record observations using a predefined template.
- Discuss findings. Share insights with teachers in a supportive way.
- Identify actions. What changes can be made based on the observations?
- Follow up. Check on progress and provide ongoing support.
- Bell, B., & Mladenovic, R. (2015). The use of learning walks to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. *Educational Action Research*, *23*(4), 548-567.
- Godfrey, D. (2017). *Leading learning walks: Practical advice for school leaders*. John Catt Educational.
- Stoll, L., & Temperley, J. (2009). A systematic review of effective teacher professional development that leads to student outcomes. *London: EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London*.
What do we look for during a Learning Walk?
A Learning Walk is not about catching people out. It is about paying close attention to what is happening in the classroom. These short observations help leaders focus on specific elements of teaching and learning.
1. Lesson content and curriculum alignment
Leaders assess how lesson content matches curriculum expectations. Key questions include:
2. Pupil engagement and behaviour
This focuses on how students take part. Observers ask:
3. Classroom environment and setup
The physical layout matters for learning. Observers look at:
4. Clear learning objectives
Lessons should have clear goals. Observers ask:
5. Evidence of student progress
Observers gather evidence on how well students are progressing:
6. Debrief and reflection
After the walk, observers discuss what they saw. This is key for improving practice. The focus is on growth, not evaluation.
7. Self-reflection and professional development
Teachers reflect on their own practice:
Effective learning walks also examine the learning environment itself. This includes checking whether classroom displays support current learning objectives, if resources are accessible and well-organised, and whether the physical space promotes collaboration or independent work as appropriate. School leaders should observe how technology is being integrated meaningfully into lessons, rather than simply being present in the room.
Additionally, observers should note evidence of differentiation and inclusive practices. Are all students appropriately challenged? How are different learning needs being met? Look for visual supports for learners with additional needs, evidence of scaffolding for less confident pupils, and extension activities for those ready to progress further. These observations help identify where additional support or training might be beneficial.
During classroom observations, focus on student engagement levels and learning behaviours. Are pupils actively participating in discussions? Do they demonstrate understanding through questioning or peer collaboration? Effective learning walks capture these authentic moments of learning, providing valuable insights that contribute to whole-school improvement rather than isolated feedback sessions.
How do we conduct effective Learning Walks?
To get the most out of Learning Walks, schools need a clear process. Here are the key steps:
Remember, the goal is to improve teaching and learning, not to find fault. Frame feedback constructively and focus on what can be done differently next time. Encourage open dialogue and shared problem-solving.
Effective Learning Walks need strong leadership. Leaders should champion the process and model a growth mindset. They must creates trust and create a safe space for honest reflection.
Preparing for Effective Learning Walks
Successful learning walks begin long before school leaders enter the classroom. Clear preparation sets the foundation for meaningful observations that support rather than scrutinise teaching practice. Establish specific objectives for each walk, whether focusing on questioning techniques, student engagement, or curriculum implementation. This targeted approach, supported by Dylan Wiliam's research on formative assessment, ensures observations yield practical findings rather than superficial judgements.
Communication with staff proves crucial for creating a supportive observation culture. Share the learning walk schedule in advance, clearly explaining the purpose and focus areas. Emphasise that these visits are developmental opportunities rather than performance management exercises. When teachers understand the collaborative nature of learning walks, they become more receptive to feedback and willing to engage in professional dialogue about their practice.
Consider the timing and logistics carefully to minimise disruption whilst maximising learning opportunities. Schedule walks during different parts of lessons to observe various teaching phases, from lesson openings to plenary sessions. Plan for brief, focused visits of 10-15 minutes that capture authentic classroom interactions. Most importantly, prepare mentally to observe with curiosity rather than judgement, creating conditions where both teachers and school leaders can learn from the experience.
Following Up: From Observation to Action
The true value of learning walks lies not in the observation itself, but in the purposeful actions that follow. Effective follow-up transforms fleeting classroom visits into powerful catalysts for school improvement, ensuring that insights gained translate into meaningful changes in teaching practice and learning outcomes.
Timely feedback forms the cornerstone of successful follow-up procedures. School leaders should aim to share observations with teachers within 48 hours, focusing on specific, practical points rather than generalised comments. This approach aligns with John Hattie's research on feedback effectiveness, which demonstrates that precise, timely input significantly enhances professional development. Consider establishing brief, informal conversations alongside more structured feedback sessions, allowing teachers to reflect on observations whilst the experience remains fresh in their minds.
Moving beyond individual feedback, effective learning walks should inform broader school improvement strategies. Collate observations to identify patterns across departments, year groups, or teaching approaches, using these insights to shape professional development priorities and resource allocation. Create action plans with clear timescales and success criteria, ensuring that follow-up learning walks can measure progress against identified areas for development. This cyclical approach transforms learning walks from isolated events into integral components of your school's continuous improvement culture.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The most damaging mistake school leaders make is conducting learning walks without clear purpose or prior communication with staff. When teachers perceive visits as unannounced inspections rather than supportive observations, defensive behaviours emerge that undermine the entire process. Research by Dylan Wiliam consistently shows that fear-based evaluation inhibits teacher reflection and growth, making it essential to establish psychological safety before beginning any observation programme.
Another critical pitfall involves focusing solely on performance deficits rather than celebrating effective practice. Leaders who enter classrooms looking for problems create a culture of anxiety that stifles innovation and risk-taking. Instead, effective learning walks should maintain a 70-30 balance between recognising strengths and identifying development opportunities. This approach builds teacher confidence whilst still driving improvement.
Finally, many school leaders fail to provide meaningful follow-up after learning walks, leaving teachers uncertain about next steps. Brief conversations immediately following observations, coupled with written feedback within 24 hours, demonstrate genuine commitment to teacher development. Without this structured response, learning walks become meaningless exercises that consume time without delivering tangible benefits for either teaching quality or student outcomes.
Creating a Positive Learning Walk Culture
The foundation of effective learning walks lies in establishing trust and transparency from the outset. School leaders must clearly communicate that these observations are developmental rather than evaluative, focusing on understanding teaching and learning rather than making judgements about teacher performance. When staff perceive learning walks as punitive or threatening, defensive behaviours emerge that undermine the very purpose of the process. Creating psychological safety, as highlighted by Amy Edmondson's research, enables teachers to engage authentically with the feedback process and view observers as collaborative partners in their professional growth.
Successful implementation requires consistent messaging about purpose and process across all stakeholders. Senior leaders should model the collaborative approach by inviting observations of their own practice and sharing insights from their learning walks in staff meetings. Regular dialogue about observations helps normalise the process and demonstrates commitment to whole-school improvement rather than individual accountability. When teachers understand that learning walks contribute to broader school development initiatives and curriculum enhancement, they become active participants rather than passive subjects of scrutiny.
Practical steps include involving teachers in developing observation criteria, providing advance notice of focus areas, and ensuring immediate post-observation conversations remain constructive and forward-looking. This approach transforms learning walks from isolated events into integral components of your school's continuous improvement culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a learning walk in education?
A learning walk is a brief, informal visit to a classroom that focuses on student engagement and the quality of learning rather than teacher performance. These visits usually last about ten to fifteen minutes and allow leaders to gather a snapshot of typical classroom practice across the school. The primary goal is to identify trends in teaching and learning to inform the organisation of professional development.
How do school leaders conduct an effective learning walk?
Leaders should start by defining a specific focus, such as questioning techniques, to ensure the visit is purposeful. During the walk, they should look for evidence of student understanding by speaking with pupils and observing their work. This process identifies effective strategies for teachers to practise in their own classrooms and supports professional growth.
What are the benefits of learning walks for teachers?
These visits reduce the pressure associated with formal inspections and help to build a culture of open professional dialogue within the school. Teachers can observe their peers to share successful strategies and reflect on their own classroom practice. When conducted correctly, they provide teachers with regular opportunities for low-stakes reflection and collaborative improvement.
What does research say about the impact of learning walks?
Studies suggest that regular, low-stakes classroom visits contribute to a stronger professional learning community and improved consistency in teaching standards. Evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation indicates that peer feedback helps schools to recognise successful strategies and improve student outcomes. By focusing on the learner experience, schools can better align their strategies with actual student needs.
What are common mistakes to avoid during learning walks?
One frequent error is treating the visit like a mini inspection, which can cause unnecessary stress and lead to staged performances. Failing to provide clear feedback or using the data for performance management can also damage staff trust and influence teacher behaviour negatively. Leaders should avoid visiting classrooms without a clear purpose or failing to communicate the findings with the wider team.
How is a learning walk different from a lesson observation?
Traditional observations are often formal and tied to performance reviews, but learning walks are short and developmental. Observations typically evaluate an individual teacher, while learning walks look at the broader student experience across multiple rooms. This shift in focus helps to move away from performance theatre toward a more accurate understanding of daily classroom activity.
Conclusion
Learning Walks offer a powerful alternative to traditional lesson observations. They shift the focus from teacher performance to student learning, developing a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement. By providing timely, relevant feedback, Learning Walks helps teachers to refine their practice and enhance student outcomes.
When implemented thoughtfully and collaboratively, Learning Walks can be a catalyst for positive change within a school. They promote professional dialogue, encourage self-reflection, and ultimately, lead to a more engaging and effective learning environment for all students. Embrace the Learning Walk approach, and watch your school community thrive.
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Further Reading
Classroom observation protocols
