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Lesson Observation Has Proven To Benefit Teachers And Learners Alike

By Henry Murphy


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.

Before they attend the class of the teacher that will be observed, the observers first gather to set objectives for the session. In most cases, the teacher that will be observed is well know for the effective use of certain aids or techniques to increase the effectiveness of his teaching. For example, some teachers use humour very effectively whilst others may be especially good at using visual aids. Observers normally focus on those special talents of the teacher to be observed.

There is no purpose to instructional rounds other than to learn. For this reason, and to make sure that the teacher being observed is not pressurised in any way there is no evaluation component to the sessions at all. Observers do not even give feedback to the teacher they observed unless he asks for such feedback himself. Even then the feedback will be informal and oral.

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.

Instructional rounds offer many benefits. Not only do the observers learn from a respected colleague, but the teacher under observation is motivated because he knows that only accomplished teachers are requested to agree to be observed. In the process, the quality of education improves and innovation in the class rooms are accomplished. This means that, ultimately, it is the learners and the general educational system that benefit.

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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