Teachers are under tremendous pressure. They often have to work under difficult, even dangerous conditions. They seldom have all the resources they need to do their jobs properly. They have to cope with very large classes and they often work in isolation. In addition, the fact that the entire educational system is under such tremendous pressure means that teacher seldom get the opportunity to attend seminars and training sessions. Instructional rounds, however, do create opportunities for professional development.
The concept is simple and straightforward. A small group of teachers, under the leadership of a senior colleague attend the class of another teacher that is deemed experienced and innovative. The observers do not take any part in the classroom activities. They are simply focused on observing and on making notes. No teacher is ever forced to agree to being observed or even to attend an observation session.
Even though observation sessions are rather informal, observers still meet before each session in order to set goals for the session. Teachers being observed are often known for specific skills or talents and it is these talents in action that that the observers want to see and learn from. For example, a particular teacher may have an excellent reputation for maintaining discipline in the class and observers will focus on his techniques in this respect.
Experts are quick to point out that these observation sessions should never be confused with any for of student or teacher evaluation. They have only one purpose and that it is to impart teaching skills and techniques. For this reason, feedback is seldom given after a session and then only if the teacher under observation requests feedback. Care is also taken to make sure that students understand the purpose of such sessions.
Although no feedback is given to the observed teacher, observers nevertheless meet after each session. During this meeting they share the lessons they have learned and the ideas that they developed from observing a colleague. These meetings are deemed to be highly confidential and no report is prepared. Observers are not allowed to criticize the teacher that was observed in action.
It seems as if observation sessions are beneficial for everybody within the education system. Teachers benefit because they are afforded the opportunity to learn new skills and teaching techniques. Learners benefit because their teachers are newly motivated and eager to improve results. Even teachers being observed benefit because they are given recognition for excellence in the classroom. In this way the entire system benefits and the quality of education is improved.
There are those that say that these sessions are worthless, mainly because they are too informal and short. Some even say that teachers under observation do not perform as they would normally do, but that they make an extra effort simply to impress their colleagues. Supporters are adamant, however, that the system helps to improve educational quality and that teachers participating are benefiting from it.
Nobody will deny the fact that one of the most important components of a healthy society is a quality educational system. Anything that helps to improve the quality of education should be applauded. Teachers need every opportunity that they can get to grow both personally and professionally. In the end, society as a whole benefits.
The concept is simple and straightforward. A small group of teachers, under the leadership of a senior colleague attend the class of another teacher that is deemed experienced and innovative. The observers do not take any part in the classroom activities. They are simply focused on observing and on making notes. No teacher is ever forced to agree to being observed or even to attend an observation session.
Even though observation sessions are rather informal, observers still meet before each session in order to set goals for the session. Teachers being observed are often known for specific skills or talents and it is these talents in action that that the observers want to see and learn from. For example, a particular teacher may have an excellent reputation for maintaining discipline in the class and observers will focus on his techniques in this respect.
Experts are quick to point out that these observation sessions should never be confused with any for of student or teacher evaluation. They have only one purpose and that it is to impart teaching skills and techniques. For this reason, feedback is seldom given after a session and then only if the teacher under observation requests feedback. Care is also taken to make sure that students understand the purpose of such sessions.
Although no feedback is given to the observed teacher, observers nevertheless meet after each session. During this meeting they share the lessons they have learned and the ideas that they developed from observing a colleague. These meetings are deemed to be highly confidential and no report is prepared. Observers are not allowed to criticize the teacher that was observed in action.
It seems as if observation sessions are beneficial for everybody within the education system. Teachers benefit because they are afforded the opportunity to learn new skills and teaching techniques. Learners benefit because their teachers are newly motivated and eager to improve results. Even teachers being observed benefit because they are given recognition for excellence in the classroom. In this way the entire system benefits and the quality of education is improved.
There are those that say that these sessions are worthless, mainly because they are too informal and short. Some even say that teachers under observation do not perform as they would normally do, but that they make an extra effort simply to impress their colleagues. Supporters are adamant, however, that the system helps to improve educational quality and that teachers participating are benefiting from it.
Nobody will deny the fact that one of the most important components of a healthy society is a quality educational system. Anything that helps to improve the quality of education should be applauded. Teachers need every opportunity that they can get to grow both personally and professionally. In the end, society as a whole benefits.
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