Waihi College Mini VisitsOne positive change that we’d like to bring into practice here at Waihi College is the practise of ‘mini visits’. These are about giving teachers opportunities to informally visit other teachers classrooms and see their interactions with students.

A very common staffroom event is the idea or sharing one’s experiences with students during the day. For the vast majority of teachers their classrooms are primarily islands of isolation. The system of mini visits will go some way to change that.

ERO in there 2014 visit pointed to one of the College's 'Quality Assurance's Next Steps' "is to ensure good/effective practice is far more consistent across the school."

What is a Mini Visit?Just as the name sounds these are short (up to 10 min) visits to classrooms. Literally teachers arranging opportunities to come along and experience a short snippet of teaching in a colleagues room.

The intent is to gain an appreciation of the practice/environment in other teachers here at Waihi College. These are informal – there is no paperwork. They’re not to contribute to appraisal. They are literally a chance to see your colleagues in action.

Why have Mini Visits?The main by-product of these mini visits (hopefully) is that you’ll have a much great appreciation of what happens in other teachers rooms. But other advantages may include…

• You’ll get to see different subjects taught.• You’ll pick up different strategies.• You’ll be able to see some of the students you teach in a

new setting.• You’ll be able to visit areas of the school you’re not

familiar with (homeroom teachers visiting NCEA classes and vice versa).

The conversations you have with your colleagues will be more meaningful.

How To From Here?Over the next term (or so) the intent is that all staff will have two or three mini visits. These can be done in non-contacts or you can let me (JHA) know and I’ll happily come and cover your class for that time.

Who To Visit?Your colleagues. Your curriculum area. Teachers you’ve heard good things about. Teachers that have the same students. Teachers in your PLG. Teachers that are good at ____________. Teachers who you care about. Teachers that teach in an area you don’t have much to do with.

Last thing - Please do kamar JHA to let me know that these are happening.