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.
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.
There is only one aim to be achieved during instructional rounds and that is to learn how to become a better teacher. No feedback is given to the teacher under observation unless he specifically requests feedback. No evaluation forms are completed, but the observers are allowed to take notes. The aim of the sessions are explained to the students before the class commences.
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 benefits to be had from instructional rounds. The teacher observers experience professional growth and they are often inspired to introduce new ideas and methods in their own class rooms. The teacher that was under observation is often newly inspired because he was deemed worthy to learn from. Eventually, the whole educational system is improved, the learners benefit greatly and results are better.
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.
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.
There is only one aim to be achieved during instructional rounds and that is to learn how to become a better teacher. No feedback is given to the teacher under observation unless he specifically requests feedback. No evaluation forms are completed, but the observers are allowed to take notes. The aim of the sessions are explained to the students before the class commences.
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 benefits to be had from instructional rounds. The teacher observers experience professional growth and they are often inspired to introduce new ideas and methods in their own class rooms. The teacher that was under observation is often newly inspired because he was deemed worthy to learn from. Eventually, the whole educational system is improved, the learners benefit greatly and results are better.
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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