Empowering Teacher Supervisors: A Case Study on the Impact of an Instructional Walkthrough Tool

Cooperating teachers and university supervisors play pivotal roles in providing instructional feedback to pre-service teachers. An observation tool with clearly defined criteria of desired teaching practices serves as an important framework in providing feedback. This case study assessed the effectiveness of the Instructional Walkthrough Observation Tool (IWOT) in supporting the supervision practices of teacher educators. This study identifies the IWOT’s strengths and proposes enhancements for both the tool and the implementation. Results indicate that the IWOT contains a comprehensive survey of the observable teaching practices and facilitates focused feedback; furthermore, fostering the development of university supervisors’ and cooperating teachers’ own teaching and supervision practices. However, ongoing review and refinement of the IWOT, coupled with structured training on its utilization and teaching practices, are essential to ensuring its effectiveness.