3-2-Q: A Practical Protocol for Reflection
Instructional teams are often short on time but high on urgency. In the middle of initiatives, data cycles, and daily demands, structured reflection can get lost. But without space to process what’s working and where support is needed, growth stalls.
OBJECTIVES
- Make team meetings more purposeful and focused
- Support balanced conversations around strengths and challenges
- Strengthen team cohesion through shared reflection routines
RESOURCES
The 3-2-Q protocol offers a quick, consistent way for educators to pause, reflect, and realign. It helps individuals and teams stay grounded in strengths, surface current challenges, and frame thinking around what’s next. Used regularly, it builds a culture of learning, reduces initiative fatigue, and keeps conversations focused and productive.
What is 3-2-Q?
It’s a structured, low-lift way to reflect:
- 3 things that are going well
- 2 things that are challenging
- 1 question you’re currently holding
If you don’t pause to reflect, you will fail to learn. Reflection is where learning sticks.
-Jim Knight
This format works well in staff meetings, PLCs, coaching sessions, or individual practice. It’s short, clear, and easy to apply without preparation.
3-2-Q is similar in structure to the 3-2-1 strategy often used in classrooms to support student reflection and formative assessment. That approach typically asks students to name three takeaways, two interesting ideas, and one question. You can find an example of that tool at The Teacher Toolkit. While the prompts differ, both structures offer a simple way to organize thinking and promote reflection.
Why Use It?
3-2-Q builds a habit of balanced reflection. It starts with success, addresses real-time challenges, and ends with a forward-facing question. The structure encourages self-awareness and clarity without requiring a major time commitment.
When and Where to Use it?
- Team check-ins: Use it to open or close meetings
- Instructional coaching: Frame check-ins or goal-setting
- Personal reflection: Use it weekly to track progress and surface next steps
Whether you’re reflecting alone or with others, 3-2-Q makes it easier to focus on what matters and keep learning moving forward.
Sample Use
3 things going well
- Student-led discussions are improving
- Family engagement is up after recent outreach
- Pacing is more aligned across departments
2 things that are challenging
- Low engagement in 6th period
- Need more clarity on tiered supports
1 question
- How can we make collaborative planning time more effective?
Why It Matters
3-2-Q is a practical tool that helps keep reflection focused and sustainable. It gives teams and individuals a way to acknowledge progress, identify needs, and look ahead with purpose, without adding to the workload.
Simple structure. Lasting value. Use it where it fits, and make it your own.
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About the Author
Dr. Matt Coleman is the CEO of Inflexion, where he leverages his deep-rooted expertise in school systems change to drive impactful educational reform. With a career spanning various roles—from educational assistant to assistant superintendent—Matt’s experience encompasses every level of secondary education.
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This work by Inflexion is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
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