Leader of Pedagogy

Embracing Growth Through Learning Walks & Talks

As we commence Term 3, I am filled with optimism for the pedagogical journey we are heading on as a cornerstone of our professional development. This term, the KLA Leaders of Learning are participating in Learning Walks and Talks with myself to see what learning is taking place in our classrooms.

It’s important to clarify that Learning Walks & Talks are not an evaluative process, but rather they serve as an opportunity, for us as educators, to collectively observe, discuss and reflect upon the learning experiences occurring in our classrooms. This process involves structured visits to lessons, followed by collaborative conversations regarding our observations. Our primary focus remains on the students and asking the 5 key questions: What are you learning? How are you doing? How do you know? How can you improve? Where can you go for help? Ideally, we want to know how students are engaging with the content and what pedagogical strategies our teachers are employing to cultivate a deep understanding of the content.  

Learning Walks and Talks have the potential to cultivate a culture of professional dialogue and continuous improvement. By engaging in focused discussions, we can acknowledge successes, identify areas for growth and collaboratively devise solutions. This practice is about a shared professional understanding regarding teaching and learning at O’Connor Catholic College, thereby strengthening our collective pedagogical expertise. 

Moving forward, the insights gained from our initial Learning Walks and Talks will help shape some of our pedagogical focusses for the remainder of the term. The observations and discussions will enable us to: 

• Identify areas of excellence
• Identify areas that require growth 
• Provide understanding of student engagement 
• Inform curriculum development
• Strengthen collegial support

We are confident about the positive impact that the Learning Walks and Talks will have on our pedagogical practices, ultimately enriching the learning journey for all students across all years at O’Connor Catholic College.

Ms. Natalie Mellowship

Leader of Pedagogy