Drop-ins
If this is your first Drop-in, remind yourself of the fundamentals and expectations below.
Thank you for having me in your lesson.
I thought it was really effective when you
Curious Question / Takeaway:
Drop-in Fundamentals
What is a Drop-in
An observation of a maximum of 10 - 15 minutes
An opportunity to learn from your colleagues by seeing them do what they do best
An opportunity to receive feedback on your teaching
Drop-in Fundamentals
Drop-ins must always be:
Kind
Developmental
Offer helpful feedback
Underpinned by the following:
Drop-ins should always make the observed teacher feel it was worthwhile you being in their lesson.
Drop-In Model
Acknowledge the privilege of being in the room
Precise praise
Curious Question OR Takeaway
Example Drop-in
“Thank you for having me in your lesson” [Acknowledge]
“I thought it was really effective when you targeted questions at specific individuals, it gave them a real confidence boost and I could tell it gave you a lot of information about their understanding” [Precise Praise]
Curious Question / Takeaway:
“How do you know the pupils who didn’t answer questions were thinking about the answers too?”
OR
“I am going to try and plan some similar questions to ask my pupils tomorrow”
Drop-in Expectations
For the Observer:
Open door = drop-ins are welcome
Closed door = please knock first and wait
When completing a drop-in, do not distract pupils from their learning
Only stay a maximum of 15 minutes
Provide feedback on StepLab within 24 hours
For the Observed:
If somebody knocks, signal them to enter at an appropriate time that suits you
Don’t interrupt your teaching to engage with the observer (e.g. start talking through the context of the lesson)
Reciprocate the drop-in / respond to feedback