How do you coach and give feedback during classroom visits?

1 Prepare before the visit

Before you visit your mentee's classroom, you should communicate with them about the purpose, goals, and expectations of the visit. Ask them what they want you to focus on, what they are working on, and what challenges they are facing. You should also agree on a time, duration, and format of the visit, as well as how and when you will provide feedback. This will help you both to be on the same page and avoid any misunderstandings or surprises.

2 Observe during the visit

During the visit, you should observe your mentee's teaching with an open mind and a curious attitude. Try to avoid making judgments or comparisons, and instead focus on collecting evidence of what is happening in the classroom. You can use a variety of tools to help you with this, such as notes, checklists, rubrics, or video recordings. You should also pay attention to the students' responses, engagement, and learning outcomes, as well as the classroom environment and culture.

3 Reflect after the visit

After the visit, you should reflect on what you observed and how it relates to the goals and expectations that you and your mentee set. You should also think about what you learned from the visit, what questions or concerns you have, and what feedback or suggestions you want to share with your mentee. You should avoid making assumptions or generalizations, and instead use specific examples and data to support your feedback. You should also balance positive and constructive feedback, and frame it as an opportunity for learning and improvement.

4 Discuss with your mentee

The next step is to discuss your observations and feedback with your mentee in a respectful and supportive way. You should choose a time and place that is convenient and comfortable for both of you, and allow enough time for a meaningful conversation. You should start by asking your mentee how they felt about the lesson, what they think went well, and what they think they could improve. You should then share your feedback, using the sandwich technique: start with a positive comment, then give a constructive suggestion, and end with another positive comment. You should also ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and encourage your mentee to reflect and respond.

5 Plan for the next steps

The final step is to plan for the next steps with your mentee, based on the feedback and discussion that you had. You should help your mentee to identify one or two specific and realistic goals or actions that they want to work on, and how they will measure their progress. You should also agree on how you will follow up and support them in achieving their goals, such as scheduling another visit, providing resources, or connecting them with other mentors or experts. You should also celebrate their successes and acknowledge their efforts.

By following these steps, you can make your classroom visits more effective and enjoyable for both you and your mentee. You can also build a trusting and collaborative relationship that fosters mutual learning and growth.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?