Teachers often have to work under very difficult circumstances. They seldom get the chance to interact with colleagues and they often have to make do with very limited resources. Many teachers have to manage large classes and find it difficult to pay attention to the needs of every individual student. Many teachers complain that they do not get the chance to improve their skills and knowledge. Instructional rounds, however, can do much to ease the situation somewhat.
Implementing a system of teacher observations is within the abilities of any school. It simply consist of a small group of teachers that visit another teacher and observe his methods in his classroom. The observing teachers are led by someone that is well respected in the field of education. The teacher being observed is also normally a professional that is well regarded by his colleagues. Participation in such a system is always on a voluntary basis.
The observing teachers normally meet prior to the observation session. They decide upon specific objectives in order to ensure that the session has some sort of focus. In many instances the objectives will coincide with known strong points of the teacher being observed. For example, if the teacher has a reputation for maintaining good discipline in the classroom the observing teacher may resolve to focus on the ways in which he manages to maintain discipline.
The aim of teachers observing another teacher in action is not to perform an evaluation, but rather to learn from that teacher. In fact, it is common practice to ask the most experienced and successful teachers to agree to an observation session. The students are also informed about the aim of the observation session. No feedback is given to the teacher that was observed, unless he specifically request feedback.
After each session the observers meet again to share with each other the lessons they have learnt and the ideas that they have hatched whilst watching the teacher under observation in action. They also discuss ways in which these lessons and new ideas could be implemented in their own classrooms. Observers do not submit a report and their discussions are deemed to be confidential.
Organizing regular teacher observation opportunities hold many benefits. The teacher being observed is motivated because his expertise and experience are acknowledged. The observer teacher benefit because they learn new techniques from experienced colleagues. Naturally, the students also benefit because they will be exposed to new methods and a more innovative approach to teaching. Everybody benefits and the quality of education is raised at the same time.
Cynics say that these sessions are worthless because they are too short and they are too informal. They think that the teacher under observation does not teach in his normal manner but rather in a manner designed to impress the observers. However, supporters of the system say that any opportunity to learn from each other is valuable and that observation sessions enjoy wide support among teachers everywhere.
Offering quality educational is and should be a very high priority for every society. If the quality of education is compromised the entire society as a whole is also compromised. Teachers learning from each other is a great idea and they should be encouraged to be part of such a system.
Implementing a system of teacher observations is within the abilities of any school. It simply consist of a small group of teachers that visit another teacher and observe his methods in his classroom. The observing teachers are led by someone that is well respected in the field of education. The teacher being observed is also normally a professional that is well regarded by his colleagues. Participation in such a system is always on a voluntary basis.
The observing teachers normally meet prior to the observation session. They decide upon specific objectives in order to ensure that the session has some sort of focus. In many instances the objectives will coincide with known strong points of the teacher being observed. For example, if the teacher has a reputation for maintaining good discipline in the classroom the observing teacher may resolve to focus on the ways in which he manages to maintain discipline.
The aim of teachers observing another teacher in action is not to perform an evaluation, but rather to learn from that teacher. In fact, it is common practice to ask the most experienced and successful teachers to agree to an observation session. The students are also informed about the aim of the observation session. No feedback is given to the teacher that was observed, unless he specifically request feedback.
After each session the observers meet again to share with each other the lessons they have learnt and the ideas that they have hatched whilst watching the teacher under observation in action. They also discuss ways in which these lessons and new ideas could be implemented in their own classrooms. Observers do not submit a report and their discussions are deemed to be confidential.
Organizing regular teacher observation opportunities hold many benefits. The teacher being observed is motivated because his expertise and experience are acknowledged. The observer teacher benefit because they learn new techniques from experienced colleagues. Naturally, the students also benefit because they will be exposed to new methods and a more innovative approach to teaching. Everybody benefits and the quality of education is raised at the same time.
Cynics say that these sessions are worthless because they are too short and they are too informal. They think that the teacher under observation does not teach in his normal manner but rather in a manner designed to impress the observers. However, supporters of the system say that any opportunity to learn from each other is valuable and that observation sessions enjoy wide support among teachers everywhere.
Offering quality educational is and should be a very high priority for every society. If the quality of education is compromised the entire society as a whole is also compromised. Teachers learning from each other is a great idea and they should be encouraged to be part of such a system.
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