Gallery Walk

Overview

As students walk through stations working in small groups, the social and physical nature of the learning supports deeper understanding. By seeing, sharing, and responding to math problems or concepts with their peers, students are actively engaged in Math Communication that can develop their Mathematical Flexibility and support moving new learning into Long-term Memory.

Use It in the Classroom

Starting at 5:12, watch how a fourth grade classroom participates in a gallery walk. The teacher prompts the whole class with questions for students to think about. As students walk around to view others' work, they strengthen their Mathematical Flexibility by understanding different ways to approach the same problem.

Setting up the classroom so students can move together in small groups helps learners link the cognitive benefits of movement with the social and emotional benefits of peer-assisted learning. Students can also discuss their math thinking with each other, practicing Social Awareness & Relationship Skills while developing their own mathematical reasoning.

Design It into Your Product

Allowing learners to contribute their ideas while also interacting with others in a shared, safe space fosters Motivation for learning and builds confidence. Developers can create a Math Learning Environment that promotes this positive social interaction through visual and auditory exchange of ideas.

View References

Resources

Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

Examples

Developing Behaviors for Cooperative Learning

Module by Sanford Inspire

Examples

Early Math Collaborative Video

Erikson Institute video of a math gallery walk

Examples

Enliven Classroom Discussions with Gallery Walks

Specific suggestions for ways to use a gallery walk

Examples

Gallery Walk Toolkit

Printable templates and step-by-step instructions for how to use a gallery walk

Examples

Gallery Walk Video

Video of a gallery walk with student commentary and reflection

Examples

nformational Video

Explanation that visually shows the gallery walk protocol

Research

Learning Communities

Subtopic that includes research on communities of learners on Digital Promise's Research Map

Research

Student Motivation

Topic that includes research on the factors that motivate students to learn and reach their goals on Digital Promise's Research Map

Research

Teaching for Collaboration & Creativity

Subtopic that includes research on instructional approaches to encourage collective problem-solving on Digital Promise's Research Map

Factors Supported by this Strategy

Mathematics

Math Communication

Mathematical Flexibility

Cognition

Attention

Cognitive Flexibility

Student Background

Math Learning Environment

More Cooperative Learning Strategies

Collaborative Problem Solving

As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking.

Jigsaw

As students work with and process information by discussing, organizing, and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding.

Math Talks

When students have meaningful conversations about math and use math vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills needed to master mathematical concepts.

Peer Teaching

Having students teach their knowledge, skills, and understanding to their classmates strengthens learning.

Reciprocal Teaching

Students deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning when they explain to and receive feedback from others.

Think-Pair-Share

Students deepen their math understanding as they use and hear others use specific math language in informal ways.

Math 3-6

Gallery Walk

Overview

Use It in the Classroom

Design It into Your Product

Resources

Factors Supported by this Strategy

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