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Retrospective Template: Good, Bad, Learned, and Learning

A learning-focused format that adds a forward-looking twist to the classic review. The team reflects on what went well and what didn't, then looks at what it wanted to learn this sprint — and whether it did — before naming what it wants to learn next. The emphasis on continuous learning makes it a great fit for teams investing in their own growth.
What went well?
What didn't go so well?
What did I want to learn this sprint and did I?
What do I want to learn next sprint?
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What is the Good, Bad, Learned, Learning retrospective?

The Good, Bad, Learned, Learning retrospective is a sprint review format that goes beyond simple wins and problems. It deliberately adds a learning lens, asking the team not only what happened, but what each person set out to learn and what they want to grow into next. This makes it a strong fit for teams that treat every sprint as a chance to build skills, not just ship features.

  • What went well?
  • What didn't go so well?
  • What did I want to learn this sprint and did I?
  • What do I want to learn next sprint?

What went well?

Capture the wins, smooth deliveries, and moments of strong collaboration. Naming what worked reinforces good habits and gives the team a positive starting point before tackling harder topics.

What didn't go so well?

Surface blockers, friction, and disappointments honestly. The goal is not blame but clarity: spotting the patterns that slowed the team down so they can be addressed.

What did I want to learn this sprint and did I?

Each person revisits the learning goal they had at the start. Reflecting on whether it was met turns vague intentions into accountable, visible growth.

What do I want to learn next sprint?

Set the next learning intention. This column connects one sprint to the next and keeps personal development on the team's radar.

Benefits of this retrospective

  • Combines delivery review with explicit skill growth
  • Holds learning goals accountable sprint over sprint
  • Encourages honest reflection in a safe structure
  • Builds a culture of continuous improvement
  • Gives quieter team members a clear place to contribute

How to run the Good, Bad, Learned, Learning retrospective

  1. Create a board in QRetro using the Good, Bad, Learned, Learning template.
  2. Invite your team and give everyone a few minutes to add notes silently.
  3. Group similar cards and review each column together.
  4. Discuss the learning columns to confirm progress and set new goals.
  5. Vote on the most important topics to focus the conversation.
  6. Turn decisions into action items with clear owners.
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