The Ladder of Inference reminds us that we too often fail to
reflect on what we observe and what we infer from those observations. We are
often unaware that we are too selective of the data we choose to observe or we
simply don’t consider any data other than that which we have immediately or
presently observed, so that data may be completely out of context. The Ladder
of Inference is used a lot in business but also has application in instructional
support and coaching as well as other areas of education.
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| Systems Thinker |
It’s important to note that traversing the ladder of
inference takes moments so being aware of how fast and how easy it is to move
from the bottom rung to the top is important so that we slow down to assess and
reflect. That way there is far less risk of any kind of injury.
Available data
As a coach, I have to take into consideration what I observe
and experience. Just as the teacher can’t watch all of the students all of the
time, neither can I so I have to be careful to sweep the room to try to see
what the majority of students are doing. I also need to refrain from making any
inferences or passing any judgment until I talk to the teacher and, even
better, talk to the kids. Even then, as I’m gathering data from the kids, I
have to be careful not to ask leading questions but general questions to get
learning context and perceptions from them.
Select data
As a coach, I have to be careful about selecting data. I try
to take notes on everything I see and hear, which is another reason I take
pictures and video, and another reason I try to be with a teacher from the
beginning of the class through to the end of class. When I select data, then, I
try to select that which reflects a majority or close to a majority of the
students but I might also select something that I was a superb teaching moment
or one during which the teacher faltered and struggled to get back on track. Or
all of the above because throughout a class period, there are always good
moments and not-so-good, even bad, moments.
Paraphrase the data
At this moment in time, I have to pause to think about how I’m
filtering what I see and hear. Did I come in with preconceived notions or
specific expectations? Do I have some sort of bias about this teacher and, if
so, what is it? How do my filters and other white noise influence what I see,
hear, and select to discuss with this teacher? This is not about me, but about
this teacher and the impact this teacher has on these students.
Name what’s happening
I have to be honest with myself about what I’m
characterizing and how, the assumptions I made about this teacher and this
teaching, the assumptions I made about the students and their experiences. I
have to be crystal clear with myself so I can remove the detritus of my
assumptions and filters.
Explain and evaluate what’s happening
Am I making excuses for me? For the teacher? For the
students? Am I clarifying the data for the benefit of the teacher? For the
benefit of the students? Or am I mentally trying to sabotage something? Is it
possible I’m drawing conclusions based on past experience or what I’ve heard
from others? Is it possible I’m not giving this teacher the benefit of the
doubt because I’ve seen similar behavior and actions in the past?
Decide what to do
This is pretty clear. Once I’ve climbed thoughtfully up the
rungs of this ladder, I can make a decision about what to do. I can revisit the
data now that I’ve clarified my motives, questions, assumptions, perceptions,
expectations, and anything else so that I can have an honest conversation with
this teacher.
I can also frame my questions and my observations in ways
that are helpful in moving a conversation about this teacher’s growth and
success.
Adapted from https://thesystemsthinker.com/the-ladder-of-inference/
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