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PAIRS and PODS

PAIRS and PODS is a professional learning structure focused on classroomobservation, shared reflection and dialogue in order to develop teachers aslearners and improve student outcomes.

PAIRS

Teachers, in pairs, volunteer to participate in the program. They learn from

each other through planned, non-threatening, non-evaluative visits to eachothers classrooms. The focus here is more on student learning than onteacher performance.

PODS

Pairs periodically gather to form a larger POD, which is a mutual ground forshared reflection and for discussing the craft of teaching.

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HOWPAIRSWORKS

You visit my classroom

- I set the agenda regarding what I want you toobserve

- It might be just the introduction to the lesson,for example

- We can offer each other support in terms offocused and evidenced observation

- Afterwards, we will talk so that you can sharewith me your observation

- Then we will do it all in reverse

- Use of video encouraged, not obliged

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HOWPODSWORK

The POD has a leader. The leader organises a meeting of up to four

pairs, to follow a series of classroom visits. The POD discusses the observations

remembering to focus on student learning more

than on teacher performance. Each individual owns the material gathered in the

observation stage and opts to share as much oras little of the material as he / she wishes.

The POD develops at least one action step fromits meeting.

Some action steps might be

Advice to the SLT. Presentation to all staff. Commitment to implement a particular

strategy across all PAIRS for discussion at afuture POD meeting.

Idea for a Learning Framework (new oramendment to existing) to

be fed to the LearningCommittee. PAIR swaps, to give me the

opportunity to see aclassroom technique orstrategy that sounds reallyinteresting and that I wouldlike to experience first hand.

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HOUSERULES

You own the material (the observations)

You share as much or as little of thematerial as you wish

The POD has a leader

The POD develops at least one action stepfrom its meeting

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PAIR/PODRECORDINGSHEET

Date of visit:

Teacher visited:

Section of lesson observed:

Notes: (focus more on student learning than teacher performance):

In what way has this experience impacted your thinking and / or futureclassroom practices?

Share as a pair:

Share with the pod:

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