How Lesson Observation Sessions Benefit Everyone In The Educational System
Those with fond memories of their school days, when classes were orderly, punishment was fair but quick and students vied for the favour of the teacher are in for a very rude awakening if they could see a modern school in session. Teachers are not only expected to teach and to obtain acceptable results, but they are also swamped with paper work and extra curricular activities. Since the introduction of lesson observation, at least teachers get the opportunity to learn from their colleagues.
The system of observing other teachers in action is called instructional rounds. It simply involves small groups of teachers visiting an experienced colleague and observing his methods of teaching. This is done to allow less experienced teachers to to get new ideas and to grow professionally. The observer groups are kept small, only stay for a short period and they take no part in the class that they observe.
Before each session, the observers meet to determine the objectives that they hope to meet. Many teachers that agree to be observed is well known for one or more talents or effective techniques in the class room. It is usually these special talents in action that they want to learn from. Observer objectives always focus on the strong points of the teacher being observed.
There is no purpose to instructional rounds other than to learn. For this reason, and to make sure that the teacher being observed is not pressurised in any way there is no evaluation component to the sessions at all. Observers do not even give feedback to the teacher they observed unless he asks for such feedback himself. Even then the feedback will be informal and oral.
The observers meet once again as soon as the observation session is over. During this meeting they compare notes, comment on the techniques used by the observed teacher and share the lesson that each member learned and the ideas that they have of implementing those new ideas in their own class rooms. These discussions are strictly confidential and there is certainly no official report made to anyone.
Instructional rounds offer many benefits. Not only do the observers learn from a respected colleague, but the teacher under observation is motivated because he knows that only accomplished teachers are requested to agree to be observed. In the process, the quality of education improves and innovation in the class rooms are accomplished. This means that, ultimately, it is the learners and the general educational system that benefit.
The informal system of instructional rounds has its critics. They say that these sessions are a waste of time, firstly because the teacher under observation will make extra efforts to impress his colleagues and also because the system is too informal. Supporters, however, say that they benefit from the system and that they would, in fact, want to see the system being expanded to all schools.
Nobody will argue the fact that the educational system is under immense pressure. Any action to improve the quality of teaching, to improve results and to allow teachers to develop their professional capacity must be lauded. More contact between teachers is also beneficial to the entire system.
The system of observing other teachers in action is called instructional rounds. It simply involves small groups of teachers visiting an experienced colleague and observing his methods of teaching. This is done to allow less experienced teachers to to get new ideas and to grow professionally. The observer groups are kept small, only stay for a short period and they take no part in the class that they observe.
Before each session, the observers meet to determine the objectives that they hope to meet. Many teachers that agree to be observed is well known for one or more talents or effective techniques in the class room. It is usually these special talents in action that they want to learn from. Observer objectives always focus on the strong points of the teacher being observed.
There is no purpose to instructional rounds other than to learn. For this reason, and to make sure that the teacher being observed is not pressurised in any way there is no evaluation component to the sessions at all. Observers do not even give feedback to the teacher they observed unless he asks for such feedback himself. Even then the feedback will be informal and oral.
The observers meet once again as soon as the observation session is over. During this meeting they compare notes, comment on the techniques used by the observed teacher and share the lesson that each member learned and the ideas that they have of implementing those new ideas in their own class rooms. These discussions are strictly confidential and there is certainly no official report made to anyone.
Instructional rounds offer many benefits. Not only do the observers learn from a respected colleague, but the teacher under observation is motivated because he knows that only accomplished teachers are requested to agree to be observed. In the process, the quality of education improves and innovation in the class rooms are accomplished. This means that, ultimately, it is the learners and the general educational system that benefit.
The informal system of instructional rounds has its critics. They say that these sessions are a waste of time, firstly because the teacher under observation will make extra efforts to impress his colleagues and also because the system is too informal. Supporters, however, say that they benefit from the system and that they would, in fact, want to see the system being expanded to all schools.
Nobody will argue the fact that the educational system is under immense pressure. Any action to improve the quality of teaching, to improve results and to allow teachers to develop their professional capacity must be lauded. More contact between teachers is also beneficial to the entire system.
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