Instructional Rounds Plus

Testimonials

Quotes from participants in Instructional Rounds facilitated by Dr. Fowler-Finn:

“I thought I knew what I was looking at - but the

focus was not on student learning e.g. what

they were actually doing. I was focused on the

'general class' atmosphere, behaviors, and

teacher delivery (in a superficial way). Now it is

“fine grained” and focused on what I actually

see the students doing/teacher doing and

saying. Amazing!!!”

“I think I now know what to look for…”

“The program has given me a stronger

foundation to dig deeper into teacher practice

and student learning. I’m not looking

superficially at what is occurring on a surface

level. Students sometimes look engaged

but not much learning going on.”

“My realization is that real accountability is

in the tasks students are asked to do…

Rigor of instruction is the real accountability”

My Ability to Observe Learning Has Changed:

“I’m more focused on what children are learning and why. I know now how to dig deeper than surface activity or apparent engagement.”

“If it’s not observable, it’s not occurring.”

“I have no idea what I was actually looking at before Instructional Rounds, but I thought I did (observe learning)… Obviously not. My ability to 'see' beyond my 'fogged pre-rounds glasses' is now exponential. I behave differently in classrooms in my interactions with students – e.g. questioning about their learning & understanding of the task; documenting actual classroom evidence; not making a judgment."

"Can I travel back in time and make it up to all the students I 'short challenged' when I was in the classroom?”

My Relationship With My Colleagues in Regards to Instruction/Learning Has Changed:

“The conversations have been

challenging in a positive way. There is

a trust and growing confidence in the

journey. The common goal is that we

all want to achieve and improve student

learning.”

“I have built much stronger relationships,

especially with the common focus -

and built respect for many colleagues I

didn’t know in this respect.”

“We have developed a stronger sense

of team based upon learning together,

sharing expertise, and knowledge.

It has permitted time to visit schools

of our colleagues and appreciate their

context, their job, and their role.”

“I think we are more focused on what

is at the core of our jobs and why we

became teachers way back when – to

help children learn.”

Feedback on the Quality of the Facilitation - Quotes From Participants:

“Enjoyable; challenging; Tom comes across as a 'real'

person, not a typical ‘academic’!”

“It was interesting and changeable. I enjoyed the

participation and interaction as a whole group with

Tom and within our mixed table group.”

“I enjoyed working with my table colleagues to discover

the gaps in my knowledge and begin building my

knowledge and skills.”

“It was an exciting new experience enlightening me

on many new ideas and ways of thinking.”

“Overall, very insightful. Fantastic presenter who made

me think about not only my staff’s teaching but my own!”

“Tom structured the program so that it was fast moving

and allowed for different learning styles.”

“Good blend of theory and group discussions.”

“Kept the program moving, encouraged input…Tom

spoke gently and warmly – not hype.”

“Tom was always prepared to invite comment from the

participants to challenge everyone’s thinking.”

Instructional Rounds Plus

Thomas Fowler-Finn, Ed.D.

112 Grover Road Extension Medford, MA 02155

Office: (781) 391-2172

Mobile: (339) 221-2922

[email protected]