Taking A Gallery Walk: A Teaching Strategy

Gallery walks turn your classroom into an educational showcase!

Your cooperative small groups have worked hard, creating amazing examples of the skill that you've taught. Have you  thought of how to show the rest of the class what everyone has done? What about having a gallery walk?

What is a gallery walk?

A gallery walk is a way to showcase student work in the classroom. Student work is posted around the room so that everyone can see what has been accomplished.

How does it work?

1.  Student groups complete an activity with a presentable result (poster, diagram, diorama, storyboard, etc.) that can be understood without verbal explanation.
2. These finished exhibits are posted around the room (with adequate room between them) after all groups have finished their work.
3. Once these exhibits are posted, the teacher discusses the parameters of viewing (behavior norms: such as "no running or talking," and viewing norms: such as "see - don't touch,"
4. You establish a timeline for each stop and give an audible signal for group movement to each exhibit. 
5. Each group moves as a unit and visits each product in order. (You circulate to encourage on task performance)
6. You  may want groups to complete a review card/rubric for each product they see. 
7. Discuss the exhibits as a whole afterwards, and have groups share the highlights of what they saw.

Why should we use this strategy?

• Students take pride in producing quality work when they know it will be displayed to others.
• The exhibits provide students with ideas of how to present their own work.
• The walk gets students out of their seats, with a purpose.
• This strategy enhances the class-building environment, as students share what they can do. 

Is this something that you could use in your classroom?

  Queen Bee