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Unlocking Student Engagement: How to Use Gallery Walks in Your Classroom

Writer's picture: Wesley GlossonWesley Glosson



If you haven't heard of a gallery walk, you may be missing out on an engaging teaching strategy that helps students retain knowledge, understand concepts, and enjoy learning. Many educators, including myself, have successfully implemented gallery walks for years because of their immense benefits. While my experience is in social studies, this strategy can be applied to any subject and any stage of the learning process. Keep reading to discover why you should incorporate gallery walks into your teaching routine.


What is a Gallery Walk?

A gallery walk is an interactive learning activity where students move around the classroom to explore different “exhibits” that present information visually and textually. This technique fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and active learning.


How to Create a Gallery Walk

There are several effective ways to use this strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my tried-and-true approach:

1. Identify Key Concepts

Start by selecting four core concepts you want students to learn within a particular standard. For example, if teaching about the causes of the Civil War, you might focus on:

  • The Election of 1864

  • South Carolina’s Secession from the Union

  • Industrial vs. Agricultural Differences in the North and South

  • Abolitionist Sentiment

2. Choose Engaging Visuals and Sources

Each concept should be represented by a compelling visual or textual source. Consider using:

  • Quotes

  • Maps

  • Graphs and Charts

  • Historical Photographs

  • News Clippings

  • Short Biographies

Ensure each source effectively conveys the key message and aligns with your learning objectives.

3. Create the Exhibits

Each source should be displayed on a separate sheet of paper or poster. Think of it as a museum exhibit—each display should include:

  • The visual or textual source

  • A set of engaging questions to guide student analysis

4. Craft Effective Questions

To maximize student engagement and learning, vary the depth and type of questions:

  • Mix Difficulty Levels: Some questions should require simple identification, while others should promote analysis.

  • Balance Objective & Subjective Responses: Allow students to express their thoughts and feelings when appropriate.

  • Keep Answers Short: Ensure questions can be answered concisely—this isn’t a test but an interactive learning experience.

  • Use Source-Based Questions: Students should be able to answer questions using the provided exhibit information, without recalling prior lecture content.

  • Limit Questions to 2-3 Per Exhibit: Since gallery walks are fast-paced, avoid overwhelming students with too many questions.


How to Conduct a Gallery Walk in Your Classroom

Follow these steps to facilitate a smooth and engaging gallery walk:

  1. Set Up the Room: Place exhibits in the four corners of your classroom.

  2. Divide Students into Groups: Assign students to four small groups and provide them with a recording sheet.

  3. Time Each Step:

    • 2 minutes: Students observe, read, and study the exhibit.

    • 2 minutes: Students discuss their observations and preview the questions.

    • 2 minutes: Students write answers to the exhibit questions.

  4. Rotate Groups: Students move to the next exhibit in a structured direction until they have visited all four stations.

  5. Facilitate a Class Discussion: Bring students back together to discuss each exhibit, address misconceptions, and provide additional insights.

  6. Assess Participation (Optional): Collect recording sheets for a participation grade if desired.


Benefits of Using Gallery Walks

Gallery walks are highly effective because they:

  • Incorporate Movement: Physical activity enhances cognitive engagement and retention.

  • Encourage Peer Discussion: Students learn effectively from one another, often gaining deeper insights through peer explanations.

  • Promote Inquiry-Based Learning: Instead of passively receiving information, students actively analyze and interpret data, fostering critical thinking skills.

  • Increase Student Engagement: The interactive nature of gallery walks makes learning more dynamic and enjoyable.


Get Started with Gallery Walks Today!

Gallery walks can transform the way students engage with content in any subject area. You can create your own gallery walk or explore pre-made gallery walk resources for American History and other subjects at an affordable price.

Ready to make learning more interactive? Try a gallery walk in your classroom and see the impact for yourself!


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