Learning Intention app for iPhone and iPad

Peer observation is a proven strategy for increasing your effectiveness as a teacher. Research has shown that focused, specific, data-rich feedback and collegial conversations lead to real improvement in practice.

Each App in this suite is designed to give teachers feedback on one element of their practice. By inviting a colleague to observe your references to a learning intention during the different phases of a lesson, youll be able to make sure you more authentically use learning intentions in your classroom.

Learning intentions: Pie graph

What this App measures
This App measures the number of times that a teacher refers to the learning intention in each of the three phases of a lesson.

Why that matters
Teachers and students can be distracted by the task(s) being performed in a lesson. The teacher’s role is to enable the students to see that the purpose of the lesson is not, ‘What did we do?’ but ‘What did we learn?’ See more on the video.

What you need to know to use this App effectively
The teacher must have a clearly stated learning intention that is obvious to the teacher, the student and the observer. An effective learning intention will describe what a student should know, understand or be able to do as a result of the learning experience.
Familiarise yourself with the basic lesson structure to determine each phase. Tap the main button each time a colleague refers to the learning intention, remembering to also tap the button to move through the three phases.

What does the data show
The data collection assumes three phases in the lesson:
• Introduction
• Development
• Review
In each phase references back to the learning intention (and not the task) are recorded. It is expressed as a pie graph, for a quick visual analysis.

How the data can be used in teacher coaching
The data for this App will be collected across a longer period of time e.g. a full lesson. The discussion would explore whether the teacher focused on the task or the learning; where in the lesson they referred students to the learning intention; and the different strategies the teacher used to have students focus on the learning. See more on the video.