Everyone is likely to have opinions about what is going on for learners. In the scanning phase, the inquiry team collects a variety of rich evidence about what is really happening. In a reasonable amount of time—generally no more than two months—the team gathers and considers useful information in key areas of learning.
Your intuition and hunches are useful information, as well. Just don’t let your untested assumptions drive the agenda at this point.
Considerations
- Start somewhere. Give it a go with an open mind. You will learn from the process.
- Start small. Focusing on 2-4 students who most acutely experience & demonstrate the challenge you wish to address will make your inquiry manageable. (REMEMBER: what works to address the issue for these students will also benefit ALL students in some way).
- Slow down. Resist the urge to leap to action.
- Use the four key questions for learners (on the left of the Spiral diagram). Pay close attention to what the learners have to say.
- Use the three big-picture questions (in the centre of the Spiral diagram) to keep your team focused on their learning.
- Use the OECD seven principles of learning, as well as Tataiako to inform your scanning.
- Record / store the data you gather in your team doc / space. Your team mates are there to support you to discuss, explore and unpack this.
Scanning Methods
Qualitative Examples:
- whole class survey (question design is key here. Try to avoid "survey fatigue" with your learners.)
- individual student interviews (these can be in depth, or 2 minute snapshot questions taken over a few lessons)
- learner map style activities
- class discussions
- exit slips
- call / email parents
- parent interviews
- mentoring discussions / talk to the learner's mentor
- talk to / survey the learners' current / previous teachers / coaches
- observe the student in other classes / sports / cultural practices
- pastoral records
Quantitative Examples:
- analyse exam results
- previous academic record
- formative assessment
- attendance data
- diagnostic testing eg. PATs, MIDYIS etc
References:
The Spiral Playbook
The Spiral Playbook
Scanning Involves
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Scanning is NOT
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"without data you are just another person with an opinion."