Teaching have changed a lot since the days when teachers presented lessons, set tests and exams and helped out with extracurricular activities. Modern teachers work extremely hard and, sadly, very often under immense pressure and very difficult, sometimes even threatening situations and they are still expected to produce good results. They have heaps of paper work on top of all their other responsibilities and they seldom have time for personal development. Luckily, lesson observation addresses some of the problems.
The system of observing other teachers in action is called instructional rounds. There is nothing complicated about it. A small group of teachers, normally inexperienced ones, attends the class of a more experienced teacher in order to learn from him. The observing teachers do not interrupt the class in any way. The learners are told what the observation session is for and to simply ignore them and behave as they normally would.
The observers get together prior to every observation session in order to set objectives for the event. In most cases, teachers asked to allow their classes to be observed are very accomplished, obtain excellent results and usually employ a variety of teaching strategies in their class rooms. The objectives of each session ordinarily focus on the known strong points of the teacher to be observed but they are not made known to him.
The one single purpose of instructional rounds is to learn. Observers therefore do not complete any type of evaluation form nor are they expected to provide feedback to the teacher that was observed. This very fact makes it easier for teachers to agree to being observed. In some cases the observed teacher may request feedback and then it is normally provided orally, not in writing.
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.
There are many advantages to instructional rounds and everyone benefits. The teacher that was under observation is gratified by the fact that his colleagues hold him in such high esteem. The observers get the chance to learn and to develop professionally. Eventually, the quality of education in general becomes better, students benefit from more interesting lessons and in many instances the results in the class room improves.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about instructional rounds. Critics are of the opinion that the observation periods are too short and that the entire system is too informal. They also allege that teachers under observation do not teach as they normally would but that they make an extra effort to impress their colleagues. Supporters say that the system has proven to be beneficial. Participants say they learn a lot and they enjoy the professional contact with other teachers.
One thing is certain. The educational system is under pressure. There are not enough resources and teachers are over worked. Instructional rounds seems to be beneficial and should therefore be supported by all role players.
The system of observing other teachers in action is called instructional rounds. There is nothing complicated about it. A small group of teachers, normally inexperienced ones, attends the class of a more experienced teacher in order to learn from him. The observing teachers do not interrupt the class in any way. The learners are told what the observation session is for and to simply ignore them and behave as they normally would.
The observers get together prior to every observation session in order to set objectives for the event. In most cases, teachers asked to allow their classes to be observed are very accomplished, obtain excellent results and usually employ a variety of teaching strategies in their class rooms. The objectives of each session ordinarily focus on the known strong points of the teacher to be observed but they are not made known to him.
The one single purpose of instructional rounds is to learn. Observers therefore do not complete any type of evaluation form nor are they expected to provide feedback to the teacher that was observed. This very fact makes it easier for teachers to agree to being observed. In some cases the observed teacher may request feedback and then it is normally provided orally, not in writing.
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.
There are many advantages to instructional rounds and everyone benefits. The teacher that was under observation is gratified by the fact that his colleagues hold him in such high esteem. The observers get the chance to learn and to develop professionally. Eventually, the quality of education in general becomes better, students benefit from more interesting lessons and in many instances the results in the class room improves.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about instructional rounds. Critics are of the opinion that the observation periods are too short and that the entire system is too informal. They also allege that teachers under observation do not teach as they normally would but that they make an extra effort to impress their colleagues. Supporters say that the system has proven to be beneficial. Participants say they learn a lot and they enjoy the professional contact with other teachers.
One thing is certain. The educational system is under pressure. There are not enough resources and teachers are over worked. Instructional rounds seems to be beneficial and should therefore be supported by all role players.
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