Page 21 - Beginning Principal Booklet

BPs and Shadow Learning

During blue skies each BP will shadow their Sponsor. The shadow

learning experience may have two parts*. These are:

1. The actual shadowing
2. A follow up interview

The total experience (including the interview) should equal

approximately one working day. It may either be done in one block or
over a number of occasions. The interview itself should last for
approximately an hour — this is included in the day. Shadow Learning
may be done on a one-to-one basis or as Learning Square.

Shadow Learning: Shadowing may involve a BP in accompanying /
following their Sponsor throughout a normal school day (if there is
any such thing!). As they shadow they will take very brief notes.
These will form the basis of the interview and later reflections. As you
shadow, try to remain as unobtrusive as possible and not ‘get in the
way’. If a matter is particularly delicate or confidential you may have
to move away for a while, but hopefully this won’t happen too much.
Your job during the shadow learning period is to note what happens,
how the Sponsor handles it, and to jot down any questions you might
have.
Interview: At the end of the shadowing period you will interview
your Sponsor about what you observed — this could be done during a
Learning Square Meeting. The purpose of the interview is to ask your
Sponsor to explain what they did and why they did it this way. This
will help you understand their actions (in similar situations) and
thought processes.
* You will also be asked to reflect upon your experience.

21
21