Teachers have tremendously responsible jobs but they often have to do their work under very difficult circumstances. The have to deal with large classes, disciplinary problems, heaps of admin work and a general lack of resources. They are also expected to be involved in extra curricular activities. The heavy work load is the main reason why teachers so often work in isolation. There is little time to attend courses or to interact with other educators. However, with instructional rounds consultation they can get an opportunity to grow professionally.
The idea is basic and extremely easy to implement anywhere. A small number of teachers visit a colleague to watch him at his job. They do this in order to learn from that colleague and that is why teachers being observed are normally professionals that are known for their excellent results. During these observation sessions the visiting teachers do not interact with the observed teachers or the students. They simply observe and learn.
Before every observation session the observers meet in order to formulate specific objectives for the session. These objectives normally focus on the strong points of the teacher that will be observed. A teacher may, for example, be known for his ability to elicit class participation from his students and the observers will then focus on the ways in which he achieve this feat.
It is vital to understand that these observation sessions are not meant to have any element of evaluation. The observers are not there to appraise the observed teacher, but to learn from him. This fact is explained even to the students. Observers never provide feedback in any form, unless the teacher under observation wants it. The only motivation behind these session is for the observers to learn.
After the observation session the observing teachers meet yet again. The purpose of the meeting is to compare notes and to share the lessons that each member has learned. They also generate ideas on how to use those lessons to improve their own teaching techniques. During this meeting nobody is allowed to voice any criticism and the discussions are deemed to be confidential. No report is submitted.
This simple system has become extremely popular in education circles. Schools now visit each other and even institutes of higher education have started to introduce observation sessions. The vast majority of participants say that they benefit greatly from these sessions and that their own teaching techniques have improved. Of course, if the teachers benefit, then the students and the entire educational system also benefits. The teacher being observed also benefits because he is recognized as an accomplished professional.
The system does have its critics. They say that these sessions have little or no value because they are too short and too unstructured. They also reckon that teachers under observation take steps to impress their colleagues and that their therefore create a false impression during the sessions. Luckily, these critics are few and far between. Most participants have nothing but praise for the initiative.
Observation sessions are supported by numerous teachers. They say that they benefit and if the teachers benefit, those benefits are passed on to their students. The fact that participation is entirely voluntary means that only those that are enthusiastic about personal development participate.
The idea is basic and extremely easy to implement anywhere. A small number of teachers visit a colleague to watch him at his job. They do this in order to learn from that colleague and that is why teachers being observed are normally professionals that are known for their excellent results. During these observation sessions the visiting teachers do not interact with the observed teachers or the students. They simply observe and learn.
Before every observation session the observers meet in order to formulate specific objectives for the session. These objectives normally focus on the strong points of the teacher that will be observed. A teacher may, for example, be known for his ability to elicit class participation from his students and the observers will then focus on the ways in which he achieve this feat.
It is vital to understand that these observation sessions are not meant to have any element of evaluation. The observers are not there to appraise the observed teacher, but to learn from him. This fact is explained even to the students. Observers never provide feedback in any form, unless the teacher under observation wants it. The only motivation behind these session is for the observers to learn.
After the observation session the observing teachers meet yet again. The purpose of the meeting is to compare notes and to share the lessons that each member has learned. They also generate ideas on how to use those lessons to improve their own teaching techniques. During this meeting nobody is allowed to voice any criticism and the discussions are deemed to be confidential. No report is submitted.
This simple system has become extremely popular in education circles. Schools now visit each other and even institutes of higher education have started to introduce observation sessions. The vast majority of participants say that they benefit greatly from these sessions and that their own teaching techniques have improved. Of course, if the teachers benefit, then the students and the entire educational system also benefits. The teacher being observed also benefits because he is recognized as an accomplished professional.
The system does have its critics. They say that these sessions have little or no value because they are too short and too unstructured. They also reckon that teachers under observation take steps to impress their colleagues and that their therefore create a false impression during the sessions. Luckily, these critics are few and far between. Most participants have nothing but praise for the initiative.
Observation sessions are supported by numerous teachers. They say that they benefit and if the teachers benefit, those benefits are passed on to their students. The fact that participation is entirely voluntary means that only those that are enthusiastic about personal development participate.
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