End Of School Year Inquiry Reflection Questions for Teachers
It’s the end of the year and my, what a year it’s been for us all hasn’t it?
Currently, our campus is wrapping up our last few weeks of school. We are doing a lot of celebrating of the growth of all of our learners, hand holding and affirming one another to joyfully hang on for a few more days and reflecting to document and evidence the learning we’ve done together this year.
And while this year has, again, rocked us all to our core, we’ve held steady by grounding ourselves in our values to help us determine what next steps to take as leaders. Deeply knowing our values doesn’t mean that the all of the decisions come easier or that we don’t feel stuck along the way, but they do provide us a compass and direction at which to take when the path seems a bit unclear.
I’m a big fan of documenting learning and ensuring that the evidence of the process is visible to all learners. Time and time again I see this process as one that empowers learners, creates a structure that allows inquiry to flourish and helps me balance my role between manager and inquiry leader.
Curious as to how this wall gets built throughout the year? Check out this post to get you started.
Our school’s values are evidenced in this learning wall. And while our administration is intentional with our professional development plans, time spent during staff and grade level meetings and one on one coaching sessions, it’s essential to give space for some final reflection (and celebration!) to capture the learning we think we’ve planned for.
I nudge and highly encourage all school leaders and inquiry educators that I am consulting and coaching with to do the same with their learners. Grab evidence of what worked well this year, what your learners are still wondering about or sorting through and consider how this evidence helps you co construct your next steps.
We’ll be using our teachers reflections to determine our next steps as a campus too! I thought that you might enjoy taking a peek at what we’re asking our teachers. Some of the questions reflect learning we’ve engaged in throughout the year, challenges we’ve heard from our learners throughout the year and open space for ideas and questions to be shared. Take a look!
PLAY: How did play impact your students this year? How did it influence you as a teacher?
What did you notice about your students during and as a result of e2 pathways?
As we continue to develop and iterate our understanding of enrichment what are next and big ideas to engage students in real world learning?
What have you tried this year that has surprised you?
We are all learners. What are your next steps in this journey?
We developed the profile of a learner. Which attributes do you see as your strengths? (we are currently developing this language together as a campus)
Considering the value and also the barriers, how many authentic learning opportunities can you create outside for students each quarter?
Other than time, what resources, support or materials would make it easier for your to take teaching and learning outside?
As we continue to create goals around our values and Vision statement, what questions do you have? What do you wonder?
When considering students SEL and behavior needs, what learning opportunities and PD would be helpful?
Anything else you'd like to share with us?
While these might not fit your context or values as a school, I’m hoping that these inspire you to consider asking for feedback and being mindful about the way you end your school year too. As we continue to value the time and space for reflection we reaffirm what we value: our learners.
I’m curious, as you look at this learning wall above, what do you notice? What do you wonder? And, what do you know? What does this evidence of learning show you we value as a school community? And, I wonder, where you think we’ll go next.
