School News

Learning Walks Illuminate the Process for Math Faculty

Recently, teachers from grades 3, 4, and 5 stopped by Lowell’s Middle School to observe math lessons in progress. Their visits yielded fruitful observations around a focal question: “What is expected of math students when they get to grades 6–8, and how can we prepare them to be successful?”

Part of Lowell’s culture celebrates educator growth and professional development, and these “learning walks” allowed teachers to venture out of their own classrooms and observe colleagues teaching. “We were able to see the 6th-grade math students in action along with three different teaching styles. It was fun to see the different approaches and activities each class used to achieve the same learning outcomes,” said 3rd-grade teacher Laurie. Middle School teachers Sarah F., Peter, and Jenna also shared how and why students are grouped together for particular units and illuminated some of the curriculum trajectories for each grade. 
 
The teachers met for a debriefing after the visit to share what they noticed and ask questions of each other. Together they discussed which mathematical and executive function skills are demonstrably strong among students as they transition from Primary to Middle School. “We had a really positive conversation,” said Sarah F. of the Middle School. “It was interesting that there were similarities between the areas we identify for potential growth in the older grades and what Primary School teachers notice. It was helpful to be reaffirmed as a group.”
 
Soon, the Middle School math team will swap roles to observe different grades in the Primary School. “In addition to us seeing where students are going, it’s important to see where students are coming from,” said the Primary School’s math resource teacher, Cristina. Sarah F., too, is looking forward to seeing what Primary School instruction looks like in terms of time and level of independence. “I’m curious about students working in small groups, with partners, or independently,” she says. “If, for example, we can understand the level of independence 5th graders are practicing, we can better scaffold our expectations around things like note-taking and how those will play out in Middle School.” 

These educator partnerships, combined with ongoing math assessments, will further support the continuity of responsive instruction students experience throughout their full Lowell journey. As our math students are often reminded, understanding the process makes for the most effective learning.
Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.