Circulate, Facilitate, and Collect Data

Hey Super Teachers!

On Sunday, we talked about reducing teacher talk time and empowering students to take charge of their learning. Today, let’s dive into what you should be doing while students are working independently: circulating, facilitating, and collecting data.

First step: Start by observing. For the first 3-5 minutes of independent work time, stand back and silently collect data.

Look for:

• Which students get right to work?

• Who’s working collaboratively and on-task?

• Who’s distracted or not engaged?

Pro Tip: Use proximity and silent gestures to redirect off-task students without interrupting the flow.

Circulate with a Clipboard

Next, walk around with a clipboard. While this may seem old-school, it’s incredibly effective. Jot down observations about student progress, conversations, and written work. Your students will focus harder when they see the clipboard—it’s like magic!

Note: Don’t write down names for disciplinary calls. Instead, track actionable insights that will help you facilitate discussions and address misconceptions later. If you like me to share my thoughts on why you should not write down students names for disciplinary calls, leave a comment or send me a DM.

Now you’re ready to offer support. Use your notes to check in with students who need extra help. One of my favorite strategies is sending students on a “classroom field trip” to observe their peers’ work, listen to their conversations, and ask clarifying questions. This builds community, fosters independence, and frees you up to focus on the students who need your direct attention.

Remember, the goal is to maximize independent work time (15 minutes is a great starting point for older students). This balance gives students the time they need to grapple with the material while giving you time to collect data and provide targeted support.

Facilitating instead of “teaching” transforms your classroom into a dynamic, student-centered space where learning thrives. Want to level up your lesson planning and facilitation skills? Schedule a coaching call, and let’s make it happen together!